Estranged - Saree Stories

2024
Acrylic, chalk on saree fabric
48x60cm

In the Estranged series, Selina Javaid uses her late aunt's saree to make connections between self and other, past and present. Selina uses different materials to convey the layers of history and memory that are sewn into the fabric.
Selina’s beloved aunt passed away during lockdown. She was born in Kenya in 1946 and came to London in the 90s. Her home was always filled with chai and tephla, carved East African furniture, Hindu idols and plenty of time and love for her nieces and nephews.
Whilst being inherently proud of her mixed heritage, Selina was more of an outsider looking in with interest, without language and religion to interpret the rituals.
Recently, Selina was gifted an exquisite saree fabric (a favourite of her late aunts). The smooth silk was laced with so much emotion triggering thoughts around identity and her roots. This initiated a quest of belonging or indeed, the fear of not belonging. In her series, Estranged, Selina intertwines this fabric, or motifs of, into her paintings and explores memory, culture and identity.

Limited edition of 15 signed prints on Hahnemüle German Etching 310GSM
Artwork has been professionally photographed and printed using archival ink on the finest paper to be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Print size 24x30cm

Original Painting available upon request.