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Architectural Anatomy

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A rectangular, deeply tufted textile rug. The yarn colours range through dark brown to pale pink and beige and are placed in organic and tactile-looking sections. Small sections of off-white backing material are visible at the edges of the piece.

Architectural Anatomy

Date: 2018
Artist: Maryam Hina Hasnain (Pakistani)
Dimensions:
162 x 127cm
Medium: Assorted tufted fibres: wool, cotton merino, mohair
Object number: UAC 1023
DescriptionHasnain studied MA Fine Art at Chelsea College of Arts. This piece grew from a conversation with the artist's aunt who lost her eyesight. Her well intentioned support for Hasnain's art always manifested itself by her using visual descriptors for the work - she was never able to interact with but reflected her desire to relate to. Hasnain started using the smartphone colour identifying softwares that her aunt used. The idea of language being hierarchical, arbitrary and it’s desire to root itself in visuals quickly became evident.
Hasnain started using the application on a wide cross section of her peers, documenting their skin tones and the names attached to them (for reference, Hasnain is a mix of pale Oyster, a colour called Hilary and Spicy Mix). She used a mix of natural fibers to help
replicate the tones. The tufted textile started growing; becoming an anthropomorphic representation of race and language. Creating a checkered landscape when observed from an aerial perspective. Fragmented and organic, using a variety of textures and pile lengths. There are intentional patches of exposed burlap, revealing the raw nature of the material, an insight into the making and the vulnerability and strength of the base fabric that carries the weighty burden.
This work is a product of the socio-political moment it was created in - reflecting on the tensions between the visual and verbal but also exploring the marginalization of the racialized and differently abled.