| |
|
Since history began, we know that mankind has taken pleasure from personal adornment. Excavations from Mohenjodaro now displayed at the site museum, include beads and stones, decorative combs and waist ornaments, anklets and other items to enhance the appearance of the wearer from head to toe. These were the creations of peace-loving people, a community who were buried with their food pots and treasures but without weapons in their graves.
|
|
| |
|
One read with awe of a gold breast plate studded with myriad precious stones designed by the Duchess of Windsor, married to the king who abdicated for love of her. Apparently every evening the two would dine alone, often the candles creating brilliant patterns of light and shade reflected on the golden ornament that covered her robe from neck to waist. An extreme case of course, but the appreciation of precious metal and stones is deeply ingrained in the nature of most people, often expressed in unique ways.
In Karachi, recently, an exhibition of jewellery items by Iram Zia at Canvas Gallery, was a rare ray of sunshine in a grey period and it brightened the day and the outlook. Dropping in to the gallery on the opening morning, one found several young women examining the jewellery with interest, trying on assortments of earrings and turquoise-studded bracelets; generally enjoying the aesthetic pleasure of the striking wearable artwork pieces. Iram’s work is created from silver, gold and copper and studded with stones that have woven their magic for centuries such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, opals, mother-of-pearl and other familiar stones. Around the wall were placed necklaces of varying designs, pendants with stones or enamel worked ornaments.
Currently enrolled in the Ph.D. Art History classes at the Punjab University, Iram completed her formal education with a BA from Kinniard College, before joining the National College of Arts where in 1992, she obtained a Bachelor of Design in Textiles. She joined the faculty of the NCA and was a lecturer at the Pakistan School of Fashion Design, before taking a Masters in Multimedia arts, with a distinction from NCA in 2003.
Iram’s is a success story with numerous projects and exhibitions to her credit.Currently Iram Zia is Associate Professor, Head of the Textile Department, NCA, and her precious ‘spare’ time is spent designing items of jewellery.
|
|
