Statement

Growing up in Pakistan and living in the US for a few decades, I am fascinated by how cultural norms and laws shape our experience of the body as a political subject. My work seeks to explore the nuances of contemporary narratives through the materiality of everyday objects, focusing on the South Asian metal trunk, called "Peyti", as a metaphor for the concepts of migration, displacement, and belonging. During this residency, I plan to utilize the metal sheets used to make these peytis to create 2D and 3D works that challenge our assumptions about what it means to belong. Through my interdisciplinary practice, which includes weaving zippers into traditional patterns, deconstructing charpais (traditional weaved bed), and using South Asian belts (Nara) to talk about desire and sexuality, I aim to create a safe space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their stories. At its core, my work explores the human experience and our capacity for transformation, generosity, and acceptance. By transforming everyday materials and creating immersive experiences, I seek to create a space for critical reflection and engagement with questions that affect us all. Through my work, I hope to generate a discussion about the obligations and responsibilities of belonging and the risk of reinforcing stereotypes during the process of challenging them. Ultimately, I believe that art can be a powerful tool for creating a more just and equitable world, and I am committed to using my practice to engage audiences in conversations about the complex web of forces that shape our sense of self and belonging.

Bio

Qinza Najm is a Pakistani-American artist based in New York City and Lahore, trained at Bath University and the Art Students League of New York. Her interdisciplinary practice spans painting, installations, sculpture, and performance. Najm's work has been exhibited globally at prestigious institutions such as the Queens Museum, Christie's Art, Art|Basel, and the Museum of the Moving Image. She has been featured in publications like ArtNet News, Hyperallergic, Huffington Post, and International Business Week. With a Ph.D. in Psychology and a focus on emotional intelligence, Najm challenges social norms and explores the relationship between the human body, identity, and power, particularly for women and immigrants. Her work transforms everyday materials and objects into immersive experiences that encourage critical reflection and evoke empathy. Najm aims to create understanding and dialogue between diverse communities by addressing social issues and cultural traumas.