Hold on Tight, 40" x 30"

Acrylic and Oil on Canvas.

40 x 30 x 1.5 inches. 

"Part of a series titled 'Embodied Fragmentation', this painting explores aspects of fragmentation and disembodiment in the context of my identity and Pakistani upbringing. This painting depicts the duality of a fragmented identity, and of choices one makes that are speckled with both fear and strength. Even in moments of strength, fear and self-doubt are always lurking close by. The trick is to not lean into them so that one can truly experience the lightness of being."

Anam Feerasta is a Pakistani-Canadian artist based in Toronto. She works primarily with acrylic and oil paints on canvas and plexiglass. Anam explores oscillating feelings of fragmentation and alignment that are intimately tied to her identity and Pakistani upbringing - feelings that she believes are universal. Anam depicts women’s vulnerable bodies in abstract worlds to create spaces for women like herself to question self-knowledge, share their stories, and reclaim their identities. These bodies allude to fragmented identities and to the multiplicity of an identity resulting from unresolved feelings and gender-biased expectations. Anam’s practice is inspired by collage, patterns, mythology, spirituality, family, and childhood memories of home.