Asna Mubashra: giving form to time
It's impressive how a single story can inspire such diversity through different mediums! Visual artists from around the world are taking part in WHISTLE project, in an attempt to present a multi-sensory experience never attempted before in the Greek visual art scene. And that's because we do not think of visual art as an experience that when viewed fades away, but as an excuse, a triggering event, a reason to produce an artistic conversation and a literal dialogue with everyone interested. This is the way we feel visual art should work.
In this short article we meet artist, Asna Mubashra, from Pakistan.
Why did you participate in Whistle Project?
Creating a global platform for collective expression, based on one theme, is just unique for me. It is a great initiative and surely got my attention.
What intrigued you?
There are myths and stories that remain unchanged throughout the centuries. They also exist in many cultures around the world. This is what intrigued me in taking part in the project.
What was your workflow?
I drew inspiration from the theme. The way the story was told captured my imagination. Elements like the night, the darkness, the loneliness and time were my main focus. I used a lot of spiral patterns, spheres and cyrcles to symbolize time in various dimensions.
What was your artistic style, any influences?
I decided to create an abstract piece of art that relates to the story through the use of symbolic shapes and colors.
Do you believe in superstitions?
Living in a technologically driven era, leaves very little space to believe in superstitions. Although I find such stories entertaining, I don't believe in them.
What do you want people to see in your works?
I would like to visually stimulate any viewer. Let them be part of the story. I hope they can feel the influence of time on an incident like the one in the story.
Can you make a comment on the idea of collective storytelling?
As a student and a teacher of art I believe strongly in expressing through art and the potential of it. I love the idea of collective storytelling, which has successfully brought together artists from around the world. All kinds of artistic expressions spawned by one story. This is an amazing experience.
Why should people support this project? Why go to the exhibition?
To witness the work of artists, people from all walks of life, in a collective contemporary project that has much to say. Supporting will also promote future ideas and new exhibitions!
All the works created for WHISTLE project by Asna, will be available to the public during the transmedia exhibition.
Born in a small town of Pakistan, Toba Tek Singh, Asna Mubashra was sent to the city of Lahore, for higher education. Travelling has been an integral part of her life. She was always attracted to the various stories, folklores, narrations and myths embedded in local heritage. Currently she is serving as an Assistant Professor of Textile Design at Lahore College for Women University. For the past two decades Asna has been busy with research, teaching, learning and practicing different kinds of visual and fiber arts.
Find Asna Mubashra at FACEBOOK.