Pakistan female designer Wajeeha Qazi is a force of “light”
Pakistan female designer Wajeeha Qazi is a force of “light”
Umair Ahmed Siddiqui
Modern Tokyo Times
Wajeeja Qazi is a female designer who cares deeply about the positive cultural forces of Pakistan but today this lady, like other progressive individuals, is deeply concerned about “dark forces” within her nation. In modern Pakistan the “soul of this nation” is being fought over by individuals and organizations which desire to turn the clock back and go inwards. Not only this, the rich mosaic of Pakistan and past culture which gave so much is also threatened by many forces.
Corruption, inequality, sectarianism, terrorism, and other negative forces, are all pulling at the richness of Pakistan. Alternatively, you have a plethora of individuals and organizations which desire not only modernity but to also cherish the cultural, ethnic, and religious mosaic of Pakistan. After all, behind all the terrible images of terrorism you have individuals, families, companies, local communities, and so forth, which are focused on unity, modernity, and creativity.
However, the current negative forces which threaten the “multiple positive lights of Pakistan” are a cause of great concern to Wajeeja Qazi. Therefore, when this talented lady thought about a new theme for her topic she immediately focused on the issue of corruption.
Wajeeja Qazi commented that “Corruption in our country has led to terrorism that has made many people suffer and has threatened people capturing their minds. It has made our societies unfair and there is no else to blame except ourselves who have in result got the tag of ‘terrorists’ throughout the globe. This has made us lose our strong and rich cultural identity. I have worked on this concept and have made a series of textile paintings showing the destructive nature by highlighting this in my designs.”
“As a textile artist I have made destructive design compositions. My concept was to pick up the rich cultural designs existing in Pakistan that have become our identity. For example, ‘Ajrak’ which dates back in history and I have distorted them to show the corruption around us and the way we are losing our identity in the modern period of Pakistan.”
Therefore, Wajeeja Qazi composed her latest designs based on the map of Pakistan, the currency of this nation, cultural designs which highlight the richness of various provinces, and the sad reality of terrorism. Clearly, Wajeeja Qazi is highlighting the “real Pakistan which is diverse and multi-cultural.” This applies to highlighting ajrak from Sindh, Balochi embroidery, Multani pottery (blue pottery) from Punjab, embroidery from Kashmir, and truck art from the N.W.F.P.
The reason behind this is explained by Wajeeja Qazi who comments that “My idea was to pick the designs like I have mentioned so that the majority of people could relate to it… My work is for a national cause that gives a message to the people and to make them feel that in every other way our luxurious identity is fading away and being dismantled. This knowledge automatically ‘opens our eyes’ to feel the need to stop every kind of unrest in our motherland.”
Progressive forces in modern day Pakistan need to be highlighted and shown to the world because often this side is neglected. The Pakistan of individuals like Wajeeja Qazi is based on the rich mosaic of Pakistan and the traditions that have blessed this part of Asia in history.
At the same time modern day writers, fashion designers, musicians, information technology specialists, business leaders, moderate religious leaders, and “the hidden Pakistan” needs to emerge from “the media shadows.” After all, the younger generation needs to see fresh hope and to witness forces that eclipse the “dark shadows” which are threatening this nation.
Sarah Deschamps and Lee Jay Walker gave background support
Umair Ahmed Siddiqui runs his own design studio called “CARTEL Design Studio” and provides valued consultancy information to important domestic and international companies. Also, in publication & writing he is the Foreign Correspondent for the Korean Textile Newspaper (www.ktnews.com) where you can find his publication on every Thursday. Also, he is writing for a Korean Fashion Magazine called Fashion Clue. Recently, he joined Modern Tokyo Times and his knowledge is in high demand because of his unique vision.
Umair Ahmed Siddiqui can be contacted at u_designer@hotmail.com
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