My practice is rooted in empathy and explores poetic forms of memories, shared vulnerabilities, and quiet reflection. Inspired by the poem Aaj ik harf ko phir dhoondta phirta hai khayal by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, one of the most celebrated Urdu writers of his time, I selected words and stanzas that reflect opposing yet interconnected concepts. This inspiration led to a series of four drawings titled Harf (Letter), illustrating the affinity I find between my art and Faiz's work, where he skillfully expresses political commentary through the lens of beauty, romanticism, and spiritual prose. The meditative act of continual repetition offers an opportunity to slow down, align, and contemplate.
Tazeen Qayyum, Harf حرف _I (letter) “Madh bhara harf koi zehar bhara harf koi”, Archival ink, gouache and tea stain on hot-press archival board, 25 x 20 cm (10 x 8in), 2023.
Tazeen Qayyum, Harf حرف _III (letter) “Dil-nasheen harf koi qahar bhara harf koi” , Archival ink, gouache and tea stain on hot-press archival board, 25 x 20 cm (10 x 8in), 2023.
Member since: 2021
Number of exhibitions at the gallery: 2
Tell us a story about Red Head: Since becoming a Red Head member, my biggest takeaway is the collaborative environment it fosters. I genuinely feel like I’m part of a network of amazing artists who have my back!
Tazeen Qayyum is a Pakistani-Canadian multidisciplinary artist. Trained as a miniature painter of South Asian and Persian traditions, Qayyum continues to explore new materials and processes through drawing, installation and performance. Her work has been exhibited around the world, and is part of several public and private collections including The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Canada; The Art Mill Museum, Qatar; Welt Museum, Austria; TD Canada Trust Permanent Collection; The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Canada; Doris McCarthy Gallery, University of Toronto; National Gallery of Jordan; and National Art Gallery, Nepal.
