Ms APRIL 12, 2015
ISSUE NO. 147
The Artist and Society
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Look Good, Early Morning
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inside En vogue — A burst of colour
Domestic goddess —
Scotch eggs with mustard sauce
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Section In-Charge: Dilaira Dubash Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk
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The enigmatic Zahra Raza
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The buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 12, 2015
By Anum Shaharyar | Design By Essa Malik
With the ongoing clamour over what is considered a ‘boom’ in the Pakistani film industry, it seems that opportunities are sprouting everywhere for local actors, directors and musicians to showcase their talent to a hungry audience. The question that arises, however, is who this industry is willing to take within its folds. If we can claim that the Pakistani audience is thronging to cinemas to watch locally-produced films, can we also conclude that these films are being made not only by a specific (read elite) class or do all sections of the society play a part in this process? This chasm between class and culture has been raging internationally for quite a while. Over in the UK, actor James McAvoy is the latest to join a number of other British actors like Helen Mirren, Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen to speak about the matter. “Acting is becoming an elite activity,” James said in a recent interview with newspaper The Herald of Scotland. One can attribute this to the ever-existing class system of the UK simply being reflected in its art scene but traces of this clash can now be found in the US as well. The changing economic structure in America has meant that more and more artists with stable, supportive and privileged backgrounds seem to be gaining control of the entertainment industry. But how does this bode for the upcoming Pakistani artist? According to independent musician Zia Zaidi, whose album Dead City Dreamer was a self-financed, solo project, art forms like music are limited to certain economic classes. The lead bassist for the band E-Sharp, Zia draws on his own experience of having been involved in the music industry for a while and says, “Music here is basically the pursuit of either the upper or the extreme lower class. Instruments and recording equipment are extremely expensive, which means that this is a hobby few people can afford.” According to Zia, musicians hailing from the lower-income bracket are merely folk artists whose talents are used for publicity rather than for art. This leaves middle-class musicians – who are too rich to become gimmicks and too poor to finance their own music – high and dry.
Nonetheless, Zia still maintains, “Adversity breeds some of the most extraordinary art.” He believes penny-pinching middle-class musicians are creating incredible music. A lot of youngsters hoping to make an impact in Pakistan’s cultural industry seem to agree with Zia and an astonishing number are actually pursuing their respective
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 12, 2015
dreams. The rise of different theatre groups, performance art academies like National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa), music and drama events such as the Lahore Music Meet 2015 and art galleries like Gallery Louvre and Canvas Gallery have given them more platforms to express their creativity. But is this younger generation of artists and spectators more willing to listen, watch and respect all forms of art, no matter what the source? Babar Ali, a student of visual studies at the Karachi University (KU), has a more positive approach to local art than Zia. Currently involved in the documentary ‘I am Karachi’ as part of ZAHRSSS Productions, Babar claims that belonging to a certain social class isn’t as limiting as one might believe when it comes to art. “It’s not necessary to be privileged to make it in the arts,” he says. “I have been at National College of Arts in Lahore and now I’m in KU but there has never been any discrimination within both universities amongst the students. Perhaps social class matters more out there in the professional world, but everyone faces some problems or the other there.” Speaking from personal experience, Babar shares the story of visually-impaired student, Ali Khan Tareen, who made it big as a radio-jockey. “It doesn’t matter where you stand financially. People with problems can create amazing things,” Babar adds.
This notion is challenged by the fact that only a certain class of students are enrolling in art schools. After all, if art belongs to everyone then surely we should all be able to afford, learn and benefit from the experience and tutelage of learned professors. But Umair Saeed, Registrar at Karachi’s Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, shuns the idea of elitism completely. “Maybe a vast majority of our students do come from Karachi’s posh areas but the idea that they are coming from a specific background isn’t true,” he shares. “We have students from different neighbourhoods and even offer a strong financial scheme, as part of our greater outreach programme to help them.” But does this safeguard the students against discrimination in the professional world? “Our students have very good aesthetics. I don’t know whether employers discriminate against economic backgrounds but our application process speaks for itself.” Umair further shares that in instances where the syllabi calls for particular equipment (such as DSLR cameras) which is generally expensive, students are encouraged to organise fund-raising programmes to facilitate themselves. Many students also acquire sponsors for whom they work post-graduation. The union of class and culture is an interesting take on art by those like Frieha Altaf who have already established a name for themselves within the industry. Frieha’s experience as a former model, fashion choreographer and current CEO of Catwalk Event Management and Productions has taught her that social status has little relevance against talent and professionalism. “Most artists we see now hail from middle-class backgrounds,” she says. Frieha gives the example of Hyderabad-born painter Imran Qureshi who painted a nearly 8,000 square feet mural on the roof of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013.“The thing is, you do have to be educated to a certain degree but a lot of upcoming artists are not necessarily rich people,” she explains. “They are still making a mark for themselves.” According to Frieha, the Internet has revolutionised art forever. “Exposure matters a lot but nowadays, one can easily get things from the Internet without having to travel at all! We have more access to the world.” She also suggests that education is necessary, especially in art and fashion. “With music, if you can sing well, you can get some recognition,” explains Frieha. “For example, we have the singer Reshma who used to be a gypsy woman and then there is Saeen Zahoor. In other fields, however, you don’t have to be rich but at least a little education is required.” Of course, arts and culture in Pakistan is constantly under threat of fluctuating socioeconomic conditions and uncertainty, much like every other aspect of life in the country. In fact, here it has long been considered the domain of those who cannot identify with society’s constrictive moulds. Therefore, it is up to those already in the field or yearning to get in to open it up for everyone to fit in, irrespective of social standing or economic background. At the end of the day, art should imitate life. What we need is a valiant effort to show that art, as in life, can learn to accept all kinds of people.
Popular Pakistani Artists Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi Born in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, back in 1930, Sadequain was a world-renowned Pakistani art legend, frequently referred to as the Ultimate Artist and Calligrapher. A self-made and self-taught painter, Sadequain gained recognition for his unconventional personality and poetic calligraphy, a medium largely undiscovered during his time. Some of his original works have dwarfed internationallyacclaimed artists and are still regarded as matchless across the world, 27 years after his death in 1987.
Ali Kazim A graduate of the National College of Arts Lahore, Ali Kazim has carved himself a permanent niche in the art scene of Pakistan. With over 11 years of experience with visual arts, multiple degrees and exceptional talent under his belt, Ali is currently ranked amongst Pakistan’s top contemporary artists and his solo and group shows have been exhibited at numerous locations, from New York and London, all the way down to Delhi. Ali is also the proud recipient of many awards and artist residencies like the Caitlin Prize in the UK and the Young Painter Award by the Lahore Arts Council, just to name a few.
Parvez Bhatti Talent knows no borders and Parvez encapsulates that remarkably. A recent discovery from Karachi’s troubled neighbourhood of Lyari, Parvez’s portrait of President Barack Obama and his family has become somewhat of a social media sensation. People from all over the world have been sharing Parvez’s work online in the hopes of fulfilling the artist’s dream to gift the portrait to America’s first family.
Ms
En vogue
A Burst of Colour
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Saira Rizwan’s latest lawn collection is a whirlwind of colours and creativity Collection: 2015 Lawn-Pret Photography: Abdullah Haris Designer: Saira Rizwan Styling: Haiya Bokhari Makeup: Nabila’s Props: 9lines Cars: INH Automotive Specialists Models: Farwa Kazmi, Rubab Ali, Zara Gul
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 12, 2015
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 12, 2015
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Lifestyle
To further avoid pillow creases, switch to a satin or silk pillow case as the material is more delicate than regular cotton bed-wear.
“You may have to change your products according to the seasons,” explains Lubna. For summer, oilcontrolling and non-greasy items are best while heavier creams during winter make for adequate moisturisation. “Using oily products in the summer results in clogged pores which ultimately lead to acne. Thus it is very important to choose your products according to your skin and your environment,” she adds.
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 12, 2015
“If you want wrinklefree skin, sleep on your backside,” advises Rukaiya. This not only prevents your face from coming in direct contact with all the germs and bacteria hidden in your pillow but also prevents your skin from getting wrinkles and pillow creases.
“Your hair needs to be free so do not tie it up at night because this causes breakage,” says Rukaiya. For those with long or unruly hair, a loose pony tails or bun is the right way to go. It is also advisable to brush your hair before going to bed to avoid tangles and stimulate growth cells when you wake up the next morning.
HOW TO Wake Up Prettier There is more to the concept of ‘beauty sleep’ than simply clocking the hours in
By Marvi Masud | Design by Hira Fareed It’s hardly breaking news that a good night’s sleep is a must for us to look our best. According to beautician Rukaiya Adamjee, “Sleep is very important as this is when the cells in your body regenerate.” But this doesn’t just involve resting for eight hours a day – there is much more to beauty sleep than most of us are familiar with. Read on to find out what you can do to wake up fresher and prettier the next morning.
“Cleanse, tone and moisturise before going to bed,” is the mantra Rukaiya swears by for glowing skin. Lubna adds to this saying, “Moisturising your skin makes it appear radiant and supple in the morning.” She explains that it is important to use products that suit your skin for more desirable results. If the product is right and you stick to the routine, simple moisturising will give you healthier, tighter skin.
This is perhaps the most crucial and important step we should take before going to bed. An entire day’s worth of makeup, dirt and impurities can take its toll on skin and cause a lot of damage. “It’s very important to wash your face well, preferably with a good face wash,” says Lubna Anwar, beautician and director of Tulips House of Beauty. “Makeup can clog your pores which may result in acne.” Not to mention, mascara and other forms of eye makeup can cause eye irritation, especially if you’re a side-sleeper and your eyes are constantly in contact with the pillow case.
“A quick yoga regimen before hitting the sack helps relax the body,” says Lubna. This will not only ease tension but can also help your skin breathe. “There are some specified positions that help you get glowing skin through rhythmic breathing,” she adds.
It’s best to eat a few hours before going to bed as this give your body ample time to digest the food. Overeating before bed can cause bloating, indigestion and hamper a good night’s sleep. “Eat at least three hours prior to going to bed,” suggests Rukaiya. “It is also important to eat food that provides proper nutrients and not junk.” Lubna suggests taking a light stroll before hitting the sack to expedite the digestion process.
For an uninterrupted night’s sleep, switch off your phone or put it aside. In fact, it is best to avoid all electronic devices including the television or iPod. And if you can’t do so, perhaps switching to soothing, slow music instead of loud songs will make you feel sleepier.
Rukaiya recommends that women get at least seven hours of beauty sleep to help them look and feel rejuvenated the next morning. Dehydrated skin, dark circles beneath your eyes and a dull complexion may be the outcomes of not getting plenty of sleep at night.
Domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 12, 2015
By Gulnaz Mondegarian
Scotch Eggs
Make your next tea time snack a healthy and hearty meal with this creative take on boiled eggs
Ingredients For the eggs: • Boiled eggs (cut into two or three parts) • Potatoes (medium-sized) 5 • Corn flour 1 tsp For the chutney: • Coriander leaves 1 bunch • Mint leaves 1/2 bunch • Green chilies 7 • Sugar 1 tsp • Lemon juice 4/5 lemons • Desiccated coconut 3/4 cup • Salt to taste • Garlic 3 cloves • Cumin seeds (zeera) 1 tsp
Method
How to peel hard-boiled eggs the right way We all know how to make the perfect hardboiled eggs but when it comes to peeling them, almost all of us are at a loss. How does one remove the shell without tearing off the insides? There are a lot of different theories and tips out there. Following are some of the easy ones for you to try the next time you’re boiling eggs: • Did you know that adding a little baking soda to the cooking water makes it easier to peel eggs? Although the results of this trick have been mixed, many experts claim that baking soda makes the cooking water more alkaline which ultimately, weakens the inner cell-membrane of an egg. A word of warning though: the soda can add a sulfuric taste to the eggs, so use it sparingly! • Another way to peel the eggs is to crack the shell slightly and place them in ice-water for about 45 minutes. This is a tried-and-tested method which makes peeling quick and problem-free. • If you wish to keep it simple, cooling the boiled eggs in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes will also do the trick.
A tangy mustard sauce Add some zest to your Scotch eggs by serving a juicy mustard sauce on the side!
• Boil the eggs. • Boil the potatoes and mash them completely. Add a pinch of salt and corn flour to the mash, mix and set it aside. • Prepare the chutney by mixing all the ingredients in a blender. If the mixture becomes too watery, let it cool in the refrigerator for a little while or until the excess water dries up.
Ingredients • Mayonnaise 1/2 cup • Lemon juice 1 lemon • Ground mustard 3 tbsp
• Once the chutney is ready, cover each boiled egg in the mixture before layering it up with the mashed potatoes. • In a separate bowl, whisk two eggs and dip each egg cutlet in the yolk. • Coat the eggs with breadcrumbs and fry them until they become goldenbrown in colour. • Once fried, dry the eggs with a paper towel and serve warm.
Method • In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice and mustard together until they form a thick sauce. • Serve chilled with warm Scotch eggs.
Woman of the week 8
At fashion w eek wearing HSY.
At a charity event for Shaukat Khanum with RJ Sophie.
Founding member of L’atelier Family and busin ess
1. Wave the magic wand: If you are conscious about flaky lipstick and dry lips, exfoliate them by applying lipstick with a clean, disposable mascara wand. But don’t forget to apply some balm or petroleum jelly over your mouth first to give a smoother slip. 2. Reuse a broken eye shadow: Has your favourite shade of eye shadow crumbled? Is the shade one which you could apply on your mouth? If yes, then store the broken pieces in a tiny container. Mix what’s left with some petroleum jelly in a tiny box and apply it over your lips. Voila! A very cost-effective, moisturising homemade lip balm – that too in your favourite shade!
Make your favourite lipstick last longer with these quick and easy hacks every girl should know!
partners at L’ate lier.
Every woman will agree that it takes a whole lot of time, effort and energy to find the right shade of lipstick. And what’s worse is that this right shade seems to finish in the blink of an eye. With daily wear and tear, any lip colour than you apply is bound to fade quickly, leaving your lips dry, dull and half-coloured. But fortunately, there is a way out of this dilemma. Try these super cool lipstick hacks and get the most out of your favourite shades.
3. Nude out your natural colour: If your lips are naturally pink or red and you want to want your lipstick to stand out over it, use a concealer to nude your lips out. Pat some over your mouth and then apply lipstick, ensuring that it looks exactly how it does on its package.
4. Make it last longer: Did you know that blotting lipstick the right way between application can make it last much longer? After the first application, blot it with a paper towel to help remove excess oil from your lips. Then apply the shade again to lock in the colour for longer.
5. Pop the colour: Make lipstick pop by lining the outside of your lips with a concealer. This will also sharpen your lips and brighten up the entire mouth area, making you more attractive.
6. Store lipsticks well: In a pill box, store the bullets of your lipsticks by cutting them out of the cannisters. Don’t worry, you can always reattach them by melting the two ends with a lighter and fuse them back together.
Design By Essa Malik SOURCE: MARIECLAIRE.COM