Bushra Waqas Khan
Bushra Waqas Khan (b. 1986) graduated summa cum laude from the National College of Arts, Lahore (2008) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Printmaking. In her current practice, Khan reimagines the intricate designs of a state document better known as an Affidavit or Oath Paper. These papers, often associated with legal ownership and rights, particularly of men, symbolize systemic exclusion and the perpetuation of patriarchal norms. By manipulating and strategically repeating these patterns, she creates visually elaborate and conceptually charged works.
Khan’s practice is multidisciplinary, encompassing both 2D and 3D forms. Her work ranges from intricate paper-based compositions to sculptural installations and meticulously crafted textile pieces. These creations highlight the interplay between printmaking techniques and the materiality of textiles, merging the traditional and the contemporary. Through this approach, she critiques the lingering impact of colonization in South Asia, exploring themes of identity, power, and societal fragmentation.
By pushing the boundaries of form and medium, Khan transforms symbols of state control into powerful expressions of resistance, creating a dialogue that challenges historical and cultural hierarchies.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Film
Sunday 2nd Feb
Women in the Arts
Location: Hall 1 Inspired by the affidavit paper, a ubiquitous presence in South Asian culture, I transform these everyday emblems into intricate artworks on textile. This film masterfully weaves together the worlds I inhabit - my studio, where innovation and experimentation reign, and my village, where tradition, community, and the cultural significance of affidavit paper converge. The filmmakers have skillfully captured the depth and layers of the work. Watch as this poignant film takes you on a journey that harmoniously blends heritage and creativity, revealing the beauty in the intersections of tradition and innovation.