We live in a time that is characterized by many challenges: climate change, environmental pollution, wars and famine worldwide. The constant growth of our consumer society is putting a strain on our planet. We need to find ways to treat our planet more carefully and distribute resources more fairly. As a multidisciplinary artist and designer, I see it as my responsibility to address these issues and inspire others to do the same. Because only together can we create more balance in the world.
Every change starts on a small scale; first and foremost, I have to be honest with myself and create peace within myself, only then can I bring peace into the world. Then I can influence my surroundings from my center within my own radius. If every being would ensure peace within their own radius, then there would be no war in the world. I want to inspire people through my own actions. As soon as my environment resonates with my vision, this influence expands. If people carry the idea further, the radius continues to grow and the vision spreads. This is what I call the “CIRCLES OF LOVE”.
I was inspired to create this artwork the day I arrived in Pakistan while shopping for groceries. Since plastic bags are no longer allowed to be used in Germany for environmental reasons, I, like most people here, always carry 1-2 empty cotton bags with me to carry my groceries home. When I unpacked my bags in a small market in Pakistan to avoid having to use plastic bags, I irritated all the sellers in the market. This led to an exciting discussion between us about the environment and climate change.
The installation consists of 100 square fabric bags made from offcuts from a regional denim production facility in Pakistan. I assembled these bags into a large canvas measuring 13 x 13 feet. Together with the students of the National College of Art, we created an oversized, circular work of art inspired by the patterns of typical Pakistani TRUCK ART. The conversations with the students during our hours together in the studio were particularly enriching, turning the painting into an intensive and inspiring exchange.
At the end of the exhibition, the artwork was taken apart again and 100 numbered cloth bags were created. These unique pieces of art were distributed to people and are intended to help raise awareness of the need to perhaps do without plastic bags from time to time in future and use the reusable cloth bag instead. Every wearer of a “CIRCLE OF LOVE” bag thus becomes an ambassador for the vision of acting as responsibly as possible within their own radius.
“CIRCLES OF LOVE” is more than just a work of art – it is an invitation to broaden our own horizons, to be more mindful in our use of resources and to raise awareness for a more sustainable future.
In cooperation with CRESCENT Bahümán Ltd as part of my artist-in-residence project at the NCA – National College of Art in Lahore.
Film by Shami Alam:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxYzXNQwFHk
