Thesis show: Students grapple with gender fluidity, antiquity and war

Five textile design major students present their thesis work

LAHORE: Five textile design major students from Kinnaird College for Women University have displayed their final thesis projects, inspired by issues as diverse as Mughal era architecture, gender fluidity and military and war.

For her thesis, Amna Riaz took inspiration from Mughal architecture. The universal charm of floral and geometric patterns, the colour palette and the varying degrees of texture in her work, all allude to the majestic Mughal style. Riaz said that she created the surfaces by using the 24-shaft weave further embellished with embroideries.

Anam Ishtiaq, another student, said her work was inspired by the notions of gender fluidity. “Most of the people do not understand gender fluidity and the internal struggles such people go through to figure out who they are,” she said. Ishtiaq said that her work aimed to understand gender fluidity and the process of doing so raised social awareness. Ishtiaq said her work incorporated a variety of textile surfaces, deviation of colours coupled with digital printing fabric manipulation and embroidery to achieve the required complexity.

Sehar Waqar said that her work was dedicated to the romantic elements of the Victorian era antiques. “In order to inherit the spirit of richness and abundance of that era, I have explored diverse textures, amalgamating various materials and techniques including tilla, naqashi, pearl work, fabric manipulation, patch work and digital printing,” she said.

Sijhrah Dohor’s ‘fortune with the bold’ series is inspired by pictorial reference from military equipments and old maps.

Dohor said her collection had an industrial vibe incorporating abstract and controversial jacquard knits, accessorised with gold and silver chains and brooches.

“I have also designed an innovative product, amalgamating military sensibility with the practical requirements of today’s laptop users,” Dohor said.

Wafa Akhtar’s thesis is based on darkness and fear.

“By exploring the darkest corners of my abysmal fears, I designed contemporary textile apparel using e-textile; narrating the growth progress and fear through an interactive display,” she said.

Saima Jabbar, Head of Department of Art and Design, said the four-year degree programme prepared students to meet the highest requirement of textile industry. “Built on the philosophy that design and technical skills are mutually enchaining, the programme is structured to take students through all aspects of textile design construction and apparel, from functional to experimental clothing,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2016.