Title : “اُمید”
Size: 2 by 3 ft.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Year: 2023
Description: The traditional white Pashtun chaddar is a representation of Pashtun culture and customs, with
its stunning designs and complex knotwork. The huge knot represents the forceful restrictions that badly
effects the inner personality of Pashtun women, as represented by the baby breaths suppressed under the
chaddar. But even with these limitations and restrictions, there is a ray of optimism and cheerfulness that is
represented through the tiny baby breath blooms peeking out from the knots. These flowers represent the
desire for liberation, as they are struggling to escape from the bonds that bound them. The unclear and
blurred grass in the background provides a delicate and a meaningful touch to the concept, it represents the
impact of cultural restrictions on the personal choices that the Pushtun women’s choices always take the
backseat over the cultural choices. There is always an overriding effect of the cultural choices over the
personal choices. The green color of the grass represents hope. It perfectly summarizes a culture of Pashtun community which cultural expectations
commonly trump individual choices.