Mariam Arshad

My artistic style is primarily centered on the aesthetics of culture.

or

keep it the same, which is also fine.

My inspiration comes from what I see, feel and experience in a world that is more connected than ever before. I use my observations to build visual narratives that combine depictions of everyday, intimate interactions with the symbolism of discrimination in how we silently pick and choose who is worthy of inclusion.

This series is about touch and trust. In it, I focus on StreetSide professions which are associated with grooming, self-care and visual transformation, Exploration of this concept began with myself in the nude as I studied the textures of skin, especially goosebumps, which are triggered as a result of physical and emotional stimuli. I then expanded my subject matter to include male, female, and child street vendors and eventually trans-genders. Shadows are a vital part of my compositions since, to me, as a symbol it depicts the life’s hardships and struggles faced by my subjects.

Through my work I illustrate the way grooming is essential in the way human beings connect with each other in a society. The commission of strangers for grooming and bodily care demonstrates a high level of trust and intimacy that is not afforded in any other setting.