Part 1 Self Portrait,
Part 2 Notes to Self Series
Part 3 Home
This three part series is a meditation on belonging, identity and coming of age.
“This show is for my 16 year old self. It’s a series of images which are much like tokens of advice or moral support to myself and everyone like me at 16. All the messages and words have been sent to myself as reminders, support or advice to my adult self this last 12 months.”
Largely composed on a mobile phone, in this series Kazim explores the idea that our phones are not only walking galleries and libraries but are also capable of creating instant but finite works of art.
Pressure Makes Diamonds, a multi-screen video installation
This tri-narrative film explores what Kazim calls the “so-called War on Terror and the destruction of global brown and muslim identities, following the catastrophic events of 2001”.
Q&A with Kazim Rashid
Tell us about yourself?
I am an artist and creative director, living between London and Berlin. Born in 1987, I was 14 when 9/11 happened.
Can you tell us about the themes you explore in the work?
My work is based around my personal experience, its documentary art work. I am interested in truth and lies, East and West.
You create some challenging juxtapositions of images and text – what do you hope the viewer takes away from visiting the exhibition?
Throughout all of my work I try not to give my personal opinion on where I think the truth lies, I try to focus my attention on offering myself and my audience a few perspectives of the subject. I think that there are many alternative realities and truths, in doing so, I focus my energy on exploring these versions and presenting them to the audience as options.
What role does humour play in your image making?
My greatest ambition is to be able to tell brilliants insightful, honest and painful stories that have the ability to make people smile. Even in the face of adversity. I think the greatest artists and artworks do this well, or at least my personal favourites works do. If I can do that too – I’ll remain happy.
You reference many male ‘personalities’ in your work (Prince Naseem, Zayn Malik etc) – can you explain more about the portrayal of British Pakistani men in the media and your interest?
I guess this is where my work crosses the line of documentary in to autobiographical. I reference and use iconic british asian male’s as signifiers throughout my work. Either as vehicles for story telling or cue’s and triggers for the viewer. I guess subconsciously this is where I would channel my energy through the work, through these people I explore my personal experience.
