Kaif Ghaznavi (2008–9)

Raised in Lahore, Pakistan

Education
2003 BA ceramic design—National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore
1999 Intermediate, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore
1997 O-Levels, University of London, Lahore Grammar Defense

Professional Experience
2005 NCA Design Department (permanent faculty)
2004 NCA Ceramic Design Department (visiting faculty)

Awards
2007 Young Artist award
Pnca, Alhamra Arts Council (curated by Taniya Sohail)

"I enjoy working with ceramics in conjunction with other materials. I strive to break away from the conventional ceramics forms which are functional and try to use them in a way which deconstructs the original design and/or shape. My work became a way of expressing myself at a very early age in my career.

"This was the only way I could communicate in a society (personal) where women are not allowed to speak their minds; they may hold very important and strong positions in their households, but they have to weave their way into the minds of the dominant male in order to get things done their way.

"I felt frustrated and angry with such activities, but also got into trouble voicing these issues. Saying what I needed to through my work and getting away with it was a platform which only art presented to me. I associate with my creations as my voice—my language—but also a dialogue with my surroundings and its people.

"There is still so much I feel that I have to learn from the sensual clay and how it incorporates other elements, and how its meaning changes once juxtaposed with other forms. It is all about the experience of the clay in my hands and how it allows me to mold it the way I want to."