Word Count: 519 | Reading Time: 2 min
Title: Welcome
Artist: Madiha Khalid
We all at some point in time, face a transitional phase in our lives, sometimes so large in scale that it seems as if you are entering another dimension, or a new world. This piece was inspired by such events like getting married, moving to a new country, starting life at a new school or changing jobs. Making a decision that can potentially impact so many aspects of your life, from what goals you will pursue down to what you will be eating for dinner.
The main character in this artwork is standing at the entrance of her next destination, with sword in hand. We all go through our internal struggles, the eternal fight in our minds between what we may desire versus what our lives demand from us; to decide between what’s right and what’s wrong. The sword is a physical representation of the continuous fight.
The inner struggle between oneself known as Jihad.
Her traditional jewelry glows like small guiding lights to lead her to a new world, symbolizing her family, her loved ones. Old, cultural pieces which she holds close to her and wears them on her person always.
In the background what can be depicted as an arched entryway or window reflects the past, which has reached its end (end of the day, hence night time)
I’ve made use of a large two-door entryway/gate to signify entry to the new world, or a new phase of life. It’s dawn and the day is about to begin.
The stars and the star chart signify that this was fate, it was always meant to be, it was written in the stars.
With nothing to her name but this jewelry and a sword, is she ready to welcome the next chapter of her life, or will she attempt to make a return back?
For the process, I’m generally obsessed with Pakistani jewelry and clothing styles.
The variety and options are endless, and as a result the jewelry created is usually an amalgamation of different styles. These earrings for example, are inspired a bit by kundan jewelry and magar earrings.
I love the thick gold jewelry with the design etched into it, embedded with kundan. Just amazing.
To make it stand out amongst all the blue, I decided to make it glow neon orange instead of traditional yellow gold.
I was obsessed with this kurta top I found and decided to incorporate it:
Initially the main character was going to have a cup of tea and relax while enjoying her view from the window! But for a more dynamic look the cup has been replaced by her sword/talwar. For the sword I opted for a traditional style of Indian/Pakistani origin.
The arched window is actually inspired by a video game I’ve played in my childhood, but the concept just stuck with me for so long! In dragon quest viii, there is a chapter involving a magical arched window that is only accessible on a full moon.
And that’s pretty much it! It’s time to welcome the next chapter of our lives.