Arpita Shah
Haseebah, Artist (from the series Modern Muse), 2019
C-Type print on dibond
78.3 x 62 cms
30 7/8 x 24 3/8 ins
30 7/8 x 24 3/8 ins
270315
Provenance
The PhotographerExhibitions
Arpita Shah: Modern Muse, Centre for British Photography (5th October - 17 December 2023) (This print)Arpita Shah: Modern Muse, Photo Oxford Festival (28th June - 4th July 2024) (This print)
Arpita Shah: Modern Muse, Belfast Exposed in Collaboration with the Centre for British Photography. (7th October 2024 – 21st December 2024) (This print)
Modern Muse - an exhibition by Arpita Shah, Upton House (National Trust, 2026) (This print)
Literature
Arpita Shah, Modern Muse, Grain Projects 2022.
I am a third generation Pakistani artist and my artwork often references Islamic art, such as motifs from the mosques where I grew up. I’ve never actually been to Pakistan....
I am a third generation Pakistani artist and my artwork often references Islamic art, such as motifs from the mosques where I grew up. I’ve never actually been to Pakistan. I have a mission to go there one day with my granddad and grandma. I didn’t really want to go when I was younger, but now I definitely want to go. I think just exploring where you’re from is important because it can help you with navigating your identity. I think I started wearing my Hijab in late primary school, but I only wore it to school. I wasn’t pressured into wearing it and then in secondary school I wanted to wear it. I use to always take it on and off, which was better for me as I had the chance to wear it and to explore my identity. I think I started wearing it properly a few years ago and I’m quite happy with my transition. When you’re younger you’re a bit more insecure about your ethnic side, but now I’m in a comfortable position. I literally love being a brown woman and I own that.