Qinza Inter-Disciplinary Artist

Qinza
I am interested in the body as both medium and subject—the circumstances surrounding its physical occupation of space, the norms and laws that govern bodies as political subjects, and the uneven burden these norms often place on women and minorities. Drawing from my upbringing in Lahore, Pakistan, and adulthood in the United States, my sculptures, installations, and performances address gender, politics, and cultural power through lenses of geography and social identification.

I often use motifs of bodies stretched, deconstructed, distorted, and pushed beyond their limits. A manipulated body is a reflection of how power is exerted on our being. However, I am more interested in the depiction of human potential—an extended body claims space beyond its expected role, both physically and figuratively. In particular, I aim to raise questions about how we might transcend and combat cultural stereotypes, prejudice, Islamophobia, and racist and sexist norms.

At its core, my work is about our capacity for transformation, generosity, and acceptance. Through my painting, sculpture, and performance work, I intend to generate a discussion about the obligations and responsibilities of belonging and the risk of reinforcing stereotypes during the process of challenging them.