Artist Statement

Contagious laughter fills the air, the sound of heavy footsteps darting across the courtyard, and the gossip of the day being recounted as the girls go through their daily chores. The intimate interactions between women in Pakistan during these moments of escape is something to be admired. “Zenana” directly translates to “of the women”, spaces that are only for women to come in and out of. Sisterhood runs deep in South Asia’s family and social dynamic. The daughters of a family look after each other through shared responsibilities while taking care of the rest of the house too. 

Last fall I spent five weeks living with my extended family in northern Punjab. Oftentimes, I found myself realizing how much I truly missed out on. Between the inside jokes, the gossip, their big wins, small wins, and more, I felt myself growing away from the zenana while in the presence of it all. As much as we all love and are kind to one another, it felt as though a giant concrete wall erupted between us long ago, creating this ever growing gap from both sides. I would observe my female cousins while feeling this longing for something I never knew. I saw their daily lives, and how they spend the majority of their time off from school together doing mundane activities such as household tasks, lounging, talking, and rarely spending a moment alone. In this series I am showcasing a side of Pakistan that is commonly overlooked in the media: everyday feminine intimacies. 

I photographed my female cousins in various areas around their home. Areas they frequent. Areas where they get ready, play, work, relax, and more. Creating vibrant and saturated images to reflect the brightness of their everyday life in Pakistan. With this series, I explored the relationship between sisters as I found all of their varying bonds to be so special and unique as someone who grew up away from any extended family. I wanted to capture simple moments of escape with each other in a world that expects so much out of them.