Standards:
The South Asian Dream
The South Asian community rarely pursues the creative career path. We are taught that the only path to success is one in the STEM major (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics). I researched the reasoning behind this outdated belief that has consumed our culture, and societal beliefs to going back to immigration laws that were passed where the only way you would be able to receive a visa to Western countries like the US, was by being a student/worker and ‘contributing’ to the economy of the Western country. When more doctors, lawyers, engineers, and scientists were able to receive visas, and move their livelihood to Western countries, this sowed the seeds of years of prejudice towards the arts. Years of South Asian generations would hear how you cannot go and make a successful career in anything creative. My thesis is challenging that, and to show how art is an integral part of being South Asian.
My thesis exhibition “Standards: The South Asian Dream” is a statement on South Asians within the arts, and talks about the creative souls that exist within a culture that pushes that side of ourselves away all due to prejudice. The exhibition holds a photography series, a short film/music video, and a website/app that all relate to the South Asian community and its relations to the arts. The works displayed show the beauty of being a South Asian artist, and how rare of the sighting that is. The exhibition is to emphasize the South Asian voices that worked with me in this project - from the South Asian models in the photography series, to the Pakistani crew I had when filming in Pakistan. I am showing how we are a small, but mighty bunch, and how we will create work that will change the sphere of this creative world.
The elements within the exhibition will emphasize South Asian beauty but also South Asian artists, designers and creators. The photography series showcases traditional South Asian clothing and beauty, but each of the models are artists and designers. This series is also working towards showcasing the diversity within South Asia - showcasing variety in skin tones and backgrounds. The short film/music video intends to showcase the struggles of wanting to go into the creative field but being pushed into STEM fields. The film shows familial pressures, along with its effects on mental health but ends with the family coming together in celebration. The film is used as a medium to amplify South Asian voices outside of the content of the film, with a whole South Asian cast and crew, and even the music is by a South Asian artist. The website showcases the need of community within South Asian cultures and how we can come together as artists and content creators and use our colorful backgrounds to our advantage, and create a networking system.
Photography Series
The photography series is to showcase the diversity in beauty within the South Asian community. We hold a variety of skin tones and backgrounds and there is no singular way of identifying as South Asian. This project was to reach out specifically to South Asian students of Ringling College of Art and Design, a school known for the paths it has paved. I highlight each of the artists' names and their majors and how they identify, Through this you'll see the diversity our culture holds, and the beauty of it when we bring it all together.
Short Film
The music video for ‘Come Thru’ by Abdullah Siddiqui and Maanu, follows a girl who is struggling mentally and emotionally as she deals with the struggles of following a career path that wasn't her passion. This is a sentiment that many south Asian students can relate to or can empathize with. We see her do a form of metamorphosis, as she takes the first step toward following her dream. The film while was the project; the crew was the reason they are part of Standards, the South Asian Dream. We held a Pakistani film crew, by working with local art schools in the area, and collaborated with them to create this project. They echo the story of the girl in the video, they fought to pursue their dreams, and now they are. This music video is an homage to them and the struggles they underwent, but also to the people who couldn't and didn't have the opportunity to- all because of the standards our culture and society held us to.
The South Asian Community- Website
The South Asian Community (SAC) would create a space where South Asian people whether they are immigrants or first generations in Western societies can come together. Here they can discuss the similarities and differences between the two contrasting cultures.
It's also an open space to learn, adapt and help create a new pseudo-culture. This mock website is to serve as a resource for people who just move out of South Asia, or as a resource for those who feel out of touch with their culture. With different pages within the site like food, history, and culture; you can discuss topics in an environment where people would better understand your background along with realign with your heritage.