Shikara: An Exploration of Heritage and Displacement
Muzna's crocheted Shikara draws inspiration from the artist’s family heritage in Srinagar, where they once owned a traditional boat on Dal Lake. This artwork symbolizes a place of refuge and resilience amidst the journey of migration.
The installation is accompanied by a soundscape featuring the Kashmiri folk tune "Pahari" and "Raag Charukeshi" played on the Santoor. This evocative instrument, with its 105 strings and deep connection to Kashmiri musical traditions, adds a rich layer of meaning to the artwork.
Sufism further strengthens this allegorical creation with the phenomena of loss and gain. The irregularities in the craftsmanship of the boat (shikara) depicts feelings of detachment yet a hope as well. It has been depicted as a symbol of haven; for protection and refuge from atrocities and hardships.
Likewise in Hafiz( a persian mystic poet) verses:
ای دل ار سیل فنا بنیاد هستی بر کند
چون تو را نوح است کشتیبان ز طوفان غم مخور
Oh heart, should a flood of destruction engulf the world
If Noah is at your helm, do not grieve.
Gallery
Shikara
This is an art installation under process. Muzna's constant occupation in search of her identity made her reconnect with Kashmir. Back in Kashmir, the artist's great grandfather had owned a Shikara (traditional kashmiri boat) in Srinagar on Dal lake.
For this artwork, she has tried to revive her involuntary memories and make it tangible through metaphorical crochet and a soundscape (based on repository of localised urban sounds).
Sufism further strengthens this allegorical creation with the phenomena of loss and gain. The irregularities in the craftsmanship of the boat (shikara) depicts feelings of detachment yet a hope as well. It has been depicted as a symbol of haven; for protection and refuge from atrocities and hardships.
Likewise in Hafiz( a persian mystic poet) verses:
ای دل ار سیل فنا بنیاد هستی بر کند
چون تو را نوح است کشتیبان ز طوفان غم مخور
Oh heart, should a flood of destruction engulf the world
If Noah is at your helm, do not grieve.
Gallery