Description

Daughters of the East is a suite of five etchings that arose from the artist’s return to Pakistan for the first time in 12 years. The series explores her emotional reaction to the event referred to as the Siege of Lal Masjid (or Red Mosque) in Islamabad, which occurred July 3–11, 2007. Butt’s print suite is based on press images from the event that showed female students of the mosque participating in active protests. The prints isolate women from the press images, focusing on their vulnerability, violence, strength, and resilience. Evoking Persian manuscript illuminations, Butt employs vibrant yet harmonious colors and soothing repetitive patterns, creating beauty amid complicated and difficult narratives.