Wole Adedoyin talks to Rahmeen Fatima: Art is an Integral Part of Pakistan’s Cultural Identity
WA: PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF?
RAHMEEN: I am Rahmeen Fatima, a 15-year-old artist from Pakistan. I have been creating art for more than 10 years. My passion for art has allowed me to express myself and explore the world from a different perspective.
WA: TELL US MORE ABOUT ART IN YOUR COUNTRY?
RAHMEEN: Art is a significant part of Pakistan’s culture. People from Pakistan love to integrate art into their lives. From traditional truck art to breathtaking paintings, art has always been a way for Pakistanis to express their beautiful traditions and customs, rich culture and history, and personal stories.
WA: HOW ARE ARTISTS USING ART TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR COUNTRY?
RAHMEEN: Artists from Pakistan understand the pivotal impact of art. They use their art to highlight and spread awareness about social issues. Through art, they have the freedom of expression to promote human rights.
WA: WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE?
RAHMEEN: I don’t limit my art to specific themes. I enjoy exploring various themes and letting my creativity flow.
WA: WHAT ROLE DOES ARTIST HAVE IN SOCIETY?
RAHMEEN: As I mentioned earlier, art can have a significant impact on our society. Artists who are aware of this can make the world a better place by using their art to promote human rights. Artists can raise awareness about global issues and provide a visual presentation of some of the most pressing issues in the world. Moreover, art can be used to tell personal stories and express emotions uniquely. People who connect with a particular artwork can find comfort in knowing that they are not alone.
WA: WHAT IS AN ARTISTIC OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
RAHMEEN: Art has taught me to romanticize my life. I can find beauty in everyday moments, every person, and every place. Moreover, I can find inspiration and ideas from unexpected areas. It involves approaching life with curiosity and being open to new and different perspectives.
WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
RAHMEEN: I love it when some people criticize my work and at the same time others praise it. It shows how diverse people are in terms of how they see the world, their opinions, and their perspectives. This enables me to look at my work through different eyes and in different ways. I find this both beautiful and amusing.
WA: SHOULD ART BE FUNDED?
RAHMEEN: Answer: 100% YES.
WA: WHAT ROLES DOES ARTS FUNDING HAVE?
RAHMEEN: Financial support allows artists to create art that can influence and inspire the world. Funding allows artists to continue creating and sharing their work. It promotes diversity and ensures that art remains accessible to everyone.
WA: WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE GOAL?
RAHMEEN: As an artist, I hope to leave an impact on this world. I hope that my work will raise awareness about issues and play an integral role in solving them. I also want people to connect with my art and find comfort in my artworks.
WA: YOUR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO UPCOMING ARTISTS?
RAHMEEN: The beauty of art is that it doesn’t need to be perfect. You are allowed to make mistakes and make them part of your work. You also do not have to be good at the process of creating art itself. The meaning behind the artwork and your creativity are more important than the way your art looks.
Rahmeen Fatima is a 15-year-old artist from Bahawalpur, Pakistan, is a young talent emerging from Khayaban-e-Ali. Currently a student in the 11th grade at Army Public School, she has already begun making her mark in the art world with her unique and expressive style. Rahmeen's work reflects a blend of traditional and contemporary influences, showcasing her keen observation and creativity. Her dedication to art at such a young age highlights her passion and potential for future accomplishments. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she shares insights into her artistic journey and the art scene in Pakistan.
My Skin is Not a Threat
