Faculty of Art

Experimental Animation

Laiba Malik

Dard Aur Aurat

Dard Aur Aurat (درد اور عورت) delves into the complexities of culture, identity, and femininity through the lens of my personal experience as a Pakistani woman living in Canada. I am interested in exploring the pain and trauma that women often experience, particularly during their childhoods. To express these themes, I employ a variety of artistic techniques, including old childhood footage, mixed media elements, 2D animation visuals, and poetry, all to create a deep emotional connection with the viewer, the use of these mixed media elements, adds texture and depth, while the animation visuals bring fluidity and movement to the piece. In addition to the visual elements, I also use poetry and traditional sounds of the East, such as the tabla, to create a fully immersive experience. Ultimately, my artwork is a reflection of my own experiences as a Pakistani woman and an exploration of the complex issues that women face. I seek to create a profound emotional connection with the viewer, inviting them to explore the rich and complex world of pain and trauma that women experience daily. I hope that my art serves as a powerful tool for healing and transformation, for myself and for others who resonate with its themes and messages.

“Dard Aur Aurat (درد اور عورت), is an exploration of a Pakistani woman who migrated to Canada. Through this work, I examine how two different cultures intersect, overlap, and diverge, and how these experiences have shaped my identity. Central to this exploration is the Urdu language. Dard, meaning "pain," and Aurat, meaning "woman," form a powerful thematic foundation for my creative output. Ultimately, I aim to offer a unique perspective on the complexities of cross-cultural experiences and to invite viewers to reflect on their journeys through life.I have always been fascinated by the interplay between culture, identity, and femininity. My work explores the pain that women experience in their lives, particularly concerning their childhood experiences. Using home movies, mixed media, 2D animation, and poetry, I seek to create a visceral and emotional connection with my audience, inviting them into a world of complicated emotions and personal histories.Growing up, I was acutely aware of the limitations placed on women in my culture, and I saw firsthand how patriarchal attitudes and traditions could stifle creativity, ambition, and personal growth. As I began to explore my own identity and experiences through my art, I found myself drawn to the power of childhood memories as a means of exploring these complex issues.One of the key themes in my work is the exploration of pain and trauma, particularly as it relates to women's experiences. Artists like Marjane Satrapi (Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood), Mirza Ghalib (Heart It Is, Not A Brick Or Stone Poem), and Florentine Grelier REM - paint on 16mm film) have heavily inspired my work. Through my art, I seek to give voice to the struggles and challenges that women face, particularly in patriarchal cultures. By using childhood memories as a lens through which to explore these themes, I aim to highlight how our early experiences shape our lives and our understanding of the world around us.The use of old footage adds a sense of nostalgia and intimacy to work, inviting the viewer to connect with the deeply personal themes at the heart of my art. The mixed media elements, including paint, collage, and drawing, add texture and depth, while the 2D animation brings movement and fluidity to the visuals.To create a more immersive experience, I integrated poetry and traditional Eastern sounds, including the tabla, in addition to the visual elements of my work. The use of poetry adds a lyrical and emotional layer to work, while the sound design creates a sense of space and atmosphere, drawing the viewer deeper into the world of the piece.”