The Other Side

My exhibition, "The Other Side," is a powerful exploration of the personal stories and emotions of my family and the millions affected by the India-Pakistan partition of 1947. Through my paintings, I'm trying to bring to life the experiences of the refugees who found themselves on the wrong side of the divide and the lasting impact this event has had on the lives of over ten million Indians and Pakistanis. As we mark 75 years since the partition, this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of memories that are at risk of being forgotten and an important call to foster positive connections and build a supportive community.

"When my grandparents were forced to leave their family home due to the India-Pakistan partition in 1947, they thought it was just temporary unrest and they'd return home in a few days. To risk not losing their valuables, they locked everything in an iron box, and buried the box in the basement. My grandfather trusted the neighbor and told him, “Take my keys," asking him to keep the house safe. "I’ll return,” he said. They parted with a hug. My grandparents or my parents never got to go back to the other side to see their homes, their land or any of their belongings. This piece depicts all of the riches, valuables, left behind on both sides of the border. I wonder how many such boxes with unclaimed keys are out there?"