LAHORE: A thesis degree show of the textile design department of the Kinnaird College for Women University (KCWU) opened at the Alhamra Art Gallery, The Mall, on Wednesday, featuring works of 19 students.

The exhibition that will remain open till June 16, was inaugurated by KCWU Dr Rukhsana David.

Prof Saima Jabbar, the head of KCWU textile department and curator of the exhibition, commenting on the thesis show said, “This year’s textile thesis has been particularly interesting as it embraces a varied approach of apparel design”.

The students whose work is displayed include Areeba Sohail, Amna Siddique, Abeeha Aamer, Fatima Anser, Fatima Omer, Hareem Kashif, Hiba Fahim, Hjira Mehmood, Iman Tanveer, Jannat Farooq, Khashafurrija Meer, Laraib Mir, Maham Kashif, Mahnoor Chaudhary, Meerab Chaudhary, Meerab Iftikhar, Nashrah Gull Ansari, Sualeha Nasim and Saleha Nizami.

Areeba Sohail says about her work that she uses lines as her primary tool, and seeks to evoke a sense of tension and unease.

Amna Siddique, in her thesis, depicts love life as an embodiment of human nature.

Abeeha Aamer explores the concept of the “perfect woman”. She explores the harmful impact of the “rishta aunty” culture.

Fatima Ansir’s work was based on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as body dysmorphia, a mental illness in which a person becomes obsessed with his/her own physical imperfections.

Fatima Omer’s thesis revolves around appreciating the natural shapes.

Hareem Kashif choses to use the metaphor of a walnut. -- a hard, protective shell that contains a vulnerable, delicate interior.

Hiba Fahim’s thesis explores the concept of fear of death of a loved one. It is centered on the emotions and mental state that a person with Thanatophobia (death anxiety) experiences.

Hajirah Mehmood’s thesis titled “Blossoming Whispers”, delves into the themes of infertility and empowerment of femininity, featuring symbolic fruits and flowers.

Iman Tanveer’s thesis was based on emotions of parents who only have daughters and no son. Jannat Farooq’s work emphasises traits associated with notions of love, passion, and sexuality. She drew her inspiration from the representation of female bodies in South Asian culture.

Khashaf Meer’s work revolves around different emotions, from violent acts to depression.

Laraib Mir’s topic was ‘Harassment to the artist’ which needs to be addressed publicly, to make people raise their voices for themselves.

Maham Kashif delves into intersection of food, culture, and community. In her work, she explores the idea of food bringing people together.

Mahnoor Chaudhary uses polymer clay to create 3D characters representing emotions of stress, anxiety, overthinking, fear and anger.

Meerab Chaudhry’s thesis highlights the regrettable impact of unusual emotional attachment, to identify possible causes of relationships that result in psychological issues.

To Meerab Iftikhar one of the most horrific experiences is to be suspended between wakefulness and sleep.

Nashrah Gull Ansari’s work depicts visualisation of feelings and emotions, affected by the thoughts, using screen panel printing technique and various other textile mediums.

Sualeha Nasim’s work revolves around the hearing loss issue. She emphasises visually abstract narratives of ear anatomy.

Saleha Nizami’s thesis delves into the issue of domestic abuse, and the suffering of those who have endured it.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2023