Seemil Chaudhry. On (Trans)Nationalism, 2024. Digital Collage. 

A visual journal of moments, objects, and places during my visit to Pakistan, through a collection of photo collages. 

This artwork reflects Pakistan’s rich heritage and history while emphasizing the importance of diaspora communities reconnecting with their cultural roots. Various landmarks and historical sites symbolize the country’s independence and identity but also suggest the creation and preservation of a Pakistani national identity/ Pakistani nationalism.  The juxtaposition of iconic architectural elements and cultural motifs evokes a sense of nostalgia for a distant past,  that is still present today. The inclusion of the miniature objects of the Minar-e-Pakistan, Badshahi Mosque, or Lahore Fort signifies how diasporic individuals carry their homeland’s memory with them, often in symbolic and personal ways, and how (trans)nationalism transcends borders. Each collage is meant to offer fragments of memories from a place and time. By layering these elements, the piece underscores the importance of preserving connections to one’s heritage, fostering identity, and bridging generations through cultural memory.