retrograde

Illustrations by Sanié Bokhari

A series of drawings that exist within boundaries and borders. Created in confinement, the images evoke a longing for a simpler time through imagery of classic South Asian cinema and traditional Mughal miniature paintings; while grappling with the modern human condition in light of a pandemic.

This highlighted what seems to be a shift in our definitions of ‘First World’ and ‘Third World’. Through these drawings, I work to illustrate some of these disparities that seem to arise through the innocuous process of globalization. The current socio-political climate of the south is gradually becoming one that questions conventions and reconstructs traditional mindsets; navigating these shifts as a woman has become as critical as ever.

This shift is compounded by the crumbling western hemisphere that is rife with political unrest ignited by brazen and outspoken right wing points of view. My drawings are an attempt to make sense of these two disparate worlds, working within these intersections; with the hope of pushing this discourse further.

The images represent the precarious nature of traversing in and out of gendered roles. Allowing the viewer to understand the female character as a protagonist rather than a monolithic being. Through its various forms, the female presence makes a statement and reinforces its importance; to cultivate a critical yet productive intersectional dialogue.

Presented within a circular frame to act like windows or openings, allowing viewers intimate access into this allegorical world of relationships, both familial and romantic, with the underlying threat of a patriarchal society that persists beneath these vignettes of freedom.



Volume 10

contact | shadow | fringe

I’ve been reflecting on the theme for our tenth volume, a lovely milestone that coincides serendipitously with the warehouse’s tenth year, and how it feels apt for the moment we find ourselves in currently. The theme straddles a threshold. The movement from this side to the far side. It isn’t inherently accompanied by an emotion. And yet, I feel it suggests a sense of hopefulness. 

This isn’t in a vacuum but is influenced by two events that concern themselves with a tremendous threshold: our atmosphere and the expanse beyond it. I am referring to the successful flyby mission around the moon by the Artemis II and the release of the film “Project Hail Mary” (adapted from Andy Weir’s novel of the same name). These two events, coinciding in this manner, serve less as random happenstance and more as a reminder, as Carl Sagan said, “The Cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff.” A reminder that everything out there, is also everything in here. It serves as a reminder for hope that as we resume our exploration of the darkest depths of the universe, we must take that strength to step forward from our own personal shadows.

Shadows can be freeing. There is comfort in creating, expressing, and working without scrutiny or pressure or expectation. It has potential for great freedom, movement, and discovery. However, when the driving force isn’t exploration then it can be crippling and lead to paralysis. In those moments, “coincidental” events like these can be arresting and provide a sense of hope that the next step is all that matters. One step at a time soon becomes many past an imposing threshold. As we gather momentum, pressure is bound to build. It is here, with changed circumstances, that the intention must persevere. Learning the rules, allows the impact of breaking them to feel that much sweeter, but that isn’t necessary. Acting from pure instinct allows for an innate expression to present itself. It is balancing this, instinct versus experience, that proves vital to take experience into one’s stride with child-like instinct and intention.

Our focus, at imprint and G5A, on independent stories allows this freedom. It is something we work to preserve so that the experience of ten volumes and ten years, respectively, does not weigh us down but lifts us up through the shadows and into the expanse. This is not easy but it is simple. When you default to curiosity and wonder, it isn’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.

We’re excited for Volume 10 and everything it will hold.