Sources of Inspiration:
NCA's Thesis Display
The National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore's 2024 Thesis Display was a vibrant celebration of artistic talent and intellectual exploration. Held in January, the event showcased the final projects of graduating students from various disciplines, including film, visual arts, fine arts, architecture, design etc.
The range of work by emerging artists tempted me to visit and it's every aspect was certainly a source of inspiration for my final film opening. The live music, films being screened, the building's architecture itself alongside work done by students in the architecture department, fine art, pottery and even the crowd who paid a visit; all elements stood bursting with vibrance and an interwoven web of ideas waiting to be unpacked.
The National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore, Pakistan boasts a building that's as rich in history as the creative endeavors it houses. Originally built in 1875, NCA's structure wasn't always a hub for budding artists. Initially known as the Mayo School of Industrial Arts, it was named after a recently assassinated Viceroy of India.
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While the exact architectural style of the NCA building is debated, some experts categorize it as Indo-Gothic Revival. This means it blends elements of traditional Indian architecture with the pointed arches and ornate details characteristic of Gothic Revival making the result a visually intriguing structure that embodies a fusion of cultures and artistic traditions.
One thing that especially intrigued me was the mixing of western and eastern elements in the art as well as NCA's own building prompting me to think about the effects of globalization alongside the everlasting impact the British rule has had upon the subcontinent.
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Pointed arches and ornate details, characteristic of Gothic Revival style, sit side-by-side with influences from traditional Indian architecture. This visual conversation reflects the complex historical and cultural tapestry of the subcontinent, particularly the lasting impact of British rule.
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The students' art on the walls of NCA, primarily the graffiti was one element of the building that stood out to me most and I think it speaks volumes. The presence of graffiti existing alongside the NCA's more traditional and sanctioned art forms creates an interesting dynamic. It raises questions about the definition of art, the role of institutions in nurturing artistic expression, and the desire for self-representation outside of established structures.
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This fusion of aesthetics inspired my film opening in the sense that when I wanted to juxtapose the protagonist's dream to her reality, I used polar opposite elements. I will further elaborate on this in later blog posts.
I had recently unearthed my mom's old Sony Cybershot DSC-W200 she bought in 2006 and took it along on the trip. I was looking to incorporate different camera looks into my film opening but soon realised that this camera would not shoot video for some reason so I had to scrap that idea. Nevertheless, I experimented with photography in case I wanted to somehow later incorporate that into my opening and here is how that turned out.
Sumaiya Hayee's work was one which I added to the film's mood board leading itself to be one of the primary sources to shoot in Delhi Gate's market. It is described by Sara Javed Rathore in The Friday Times as "a study not only in the colours and intensity of the life in Old Lahore and its streets, strewn with life that is aeons apart from the sanitary life on the roads and streets of the more ‘modern’ Lahore– the Lahore that boasts its elitism and forgets the existence of Old Lahore and its people. Sumaiya explained to me that she herself is from Androon Lahore, and she wanted to pay homage to the beauty in the little moments of life there– especially to the working class there."
Hayee's artwork resonated deeply with my desire to capture the essence of Lahore in my film opening. Her ability to portray the city's vibrant energy, its rich cultural tapestry, and the stories of its people in his paintings mirrored my own artistic goals.
NCA's Thesis Display wasn't just an exhibition; it was a catalyst for my creative vision. The fusion of artistic expression, historical echoes embedded in the architecture, and the energy of the crowd all came together to spark inspiration for my film opening. It was a testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and shape artistic journeys.
