Meraki - Sadia Sikandar

Mute

Meraki

Sadia Sikandar







Sadia Sikandar is a visual artist currently based in the North East of England. Born in Pakistan, Sadia completed a Masters in Fine Art at the University of the Punjab in 2012, going on to exhibit her work in Pakistan, the USA and the UK. Her practice also extends into photography and illustration. 


In Autumn 2020, Sadia became the first Sanctuary and Culture Artist in Residence at D6: Culture in Transit. Due to COVID-19 and the imposition of national restrictions, the first half of this residency has taken place remotely, with the ambition that Sadia’s developing practice can continue in the newly renovated D6 studio in Spring 2021.


Meraki is a digital presentation of Sadia’s work in progress, informed by her personal journey and unique experiences of navigating the hostile and complex asylum system as a woman within a different culture and society.



Disclaimer

In one of her works titled Mizaph, Sadia has reflected on the tragic death of Alan Kurdi, the young Syrian boy whose body was recovered in Bodrum, Turkey. This image was widely broadcast across the globe and caused a public outcry at the European Union and individual government inaction over the dangers people seeking asylum face when travelling to Europe. Some viewers may find the depiction in Mizpah, traumatising and distressing.


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Meraki


"The only time I feel alive is when I'm painting."

 Vincent Van Gogh 


My new paintings are based on my experience in the UK over the past three years. I draw upon my journey of being an asylum seeker and how the system's cruel laws affect my life and those of many others on a daily basis.


In the past, I painted in a realistic, abstract, miniature style but I wanted to explore  something different in my new work. That's why I chose texture painting.




The Quest of Freedom (2020)

Oil paint, ink and coffee on paper

29.5cm x 41.7cm

My first painting ​The Quest of Freedom​ is about the restrictions placed on asylum seekers which badly affect their mental health and wellbeing. Restrictions on travelling, restrictions on work, restrictions on education such as degree studies, etc.

I painted a parrot (as a symbol of joy, happiness and positive energy) and I painted deliberately not in a perfect shape because the asylum system makes the life of an asylum seeker miserable. The colour and perception of their life becomes duller and duller day by day. In the background with the help of coffee I painted a map. I also think being a bird is much better than being a human because if you are a bird you have the freedom to do anything, you can do whatever you want and nobody will ask questions such as,

‘Why did you come here?’

‘What do you want?’

‘Can you prove your identity?'

All these restrictions badly affect my mental health and from my experience I think this also affects many asylum seekers I have met. For me it has been three years since I have not met my family and I have found it really hard to face every struggle alone.


















Disclaimer

In the next image, Mizaph, Sadia has reflected on the tragic death of Alan Kurdi, the young Syrian boy whose body was recovered in Bodrum, Turkey. This image was widely broadcast across the globe and caused a public outcry at the European Union and individual government inaction over the dangers people seeking asylum face when travelling to Europe. Some viewers may find the depiction in Mizpah, traumatising and distressing.











Mizpah (2020)

Oil paint textured on paper

41.7cm x 29.5cm

​Mizpah ​which is a word from the Bible which signifies remembrance - a deep emotional bond between people separated by death or distance. 

My second painting references the tragic incident of Alan Kurdi, a three-year old Syrian child who drowned trying to reach Greece in 2015. He was found on the shore of Turkey. He died due to the poor transport facilities and lack of protective facilities. 

It was not just this incident. There is a long list of people who drowned when crossing the English Channel and Mediditerran Sea. Who is counting their deaths? 

Recently there was an incident of four Iranian people, all from the same family including two children. They drowned while crossing the Channel. It’s the harsh reality resulting from poor international immigration systems.



Solivagant (2021)

Oil paint textured on paper

41.5cm x 59cm


Definition of solivagant : a solitary wanderer

When you are facing a lot of trauma in your life and you don’t find anyone by your side who can understand your pain - the pain that is killing you inside every day - I think in that moment you pick nature to heal your wounds. It gives you serenity and peace that can’t be found in a person. In my third work, I have painted a duck beside the amaryllis flower, a symbol of love, beauty, strength and determination.


Metanoia (2021)

Oil paint textured on paper

30cm x 41.7cm

My fourth painting is called ​Metanoia ​which means to change one’s mind, heart, self or way of life. I have faced a lot of trauma in my life and I think all the pain one day will change into my power and strength and I will completely heal from all the wounds.

Many people seeking asylum are on a similar process carrying immense pain but also spreading beauty. In the painting this personal reflection is represented by a wounded, bleeding butterfly wing and a blooming flower. It is the Spring season and there is happiness.

"(An artist) should not be defined or measured by productivity alone, but rather on one’s growth."

Kenneth Tam


An artist’s work is not measured by how many paintings they painted in that specific time period. It is measured by the subject and the quality of painting because in the end people will remember you through your work. I will keep working on the oil paint texture technique and the subjects I have highlighted concerning the asylum seeker’s journey. 


It’s not easy for me to share my pain. 


As an artist, I feel the need to focus more attention on these issues because I have a lot of things to share. It’s important for people to know how the asylum system is working, especially politicians, law makers, media agencies, bloggers, the younger generation and those who are filled with hostility and hatred towards migrants.


Artists residencies are an opportunity for artists to learn how to work together, to explore their vision and to learn new things from each other. The Sanctuary and Culture residency with D6 is my first residency experience. I have totally focused on the quality of work allowing myself to enjoy and relax. I am looking forward to future residences, exhibitions and talks.


Sadia Sikandar

Acknowledgements

I am really thankful for D6 to have offered me this opportunity to start an artist residency. For quite a long time, I was looking for such an opportunity and that was only possible with the help of D6 who encouraged me to continue to create throughout the pandemic even though we were unable to meet in person. 


Sadia Sikandar


Special thanks to Sadia Sikandar for being the first Sanctuary and Culture Artist in Residence, showing a deep commitment, passion and perseverance during a time of extraordinary challenges. Thanks to D6 Associate Artists, Dima Karout (narrative development and peer-to-peer support) and Dominic Smith (digital development of Meraki).


D6: Culture in Transit


Free Music Archive Credits:

Turku, Nomads of the Silk Road - Penceresi Yola Karsi --  CC BY NC ND License

Turku, Nomads of the Silk Road - Penceresi Yola Karsi -- CC BY NC SA License

Turku, Nomads of the Silk Road - Lesgi -- CC BY NC SA License

Turku, Nomads of the Silk Road - Majnun Nabudom -- CC BY NC ND License

Turku, Nomads of the Silk Road - Rampi Rampi -- CC BY License

 

Artwork Photo Credit: Matt Pickering


Meraki was produced March 2021 by D6: Culture in Transit.


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