In this series, initially conceived during a 40-day residency organized by Vasl Artists’ Association in Karachi, Pakistan, I explore the contrast between Pakistan’s immense yet underutilized resources and the collective efforts that could realize its potential. Utilizing the form and texture of the degh, a traditional vessel, as my central motif, I aim to evoke themes of layered contributions, latent power, and unrealized progress.

The degh‘s hammered texture suggests the imprints of many hands, symbolic of the society’s fragmented contributions, while its shape hints at the torso of a woman, a vessel of potential ready to give birth. Each layer of soot deposited on its surface over time becomes a metaphor for accumulated experiences, traditions, and resilience. Incorporating elements like ancient Gandhara script and fragmented maps of Pakistan’s railway system, I reflect the country’s historical and cultural richness and the disconnect in how these resources are harnessed.

After the residency, I extended this body of work, generating new pieces that deepen the inquiry into Pakistan’s collective identity and aspirations. Through these visual dialogues, I hope to prompt reflection on the potential for a more cohesive and dynamic future shaped by our shared assets and responsibility.