Saira Wasim talks Artistry, Paintings & Social Themes

Saira Wasim has cemented herself as one of the most influential and talented Pakistani painters. 

Within her artistic craft, Saira holds a fascination for social themes and bold colours.

This adds to her originality and highlights her mosaic of artwork in shining ways.

Saira has created many everlasting and stunning paintings that stand the test of time.

DESIblitz were privileged to have an exclusive interview with Saira Wasim.

During the chat, the renowned artist divulged her artistry and career and shed some light on the social themes that fascinate her.

What inspired you to become an artist?

I’ve been expressing myself through drawing since before I could even speak.

In the early 1980s, when I was in elementary school, I told my parents I wanted to be an artist, more specifically, a watercolourist.

This was a huge disappointment for my mother. She had always hoped I’d pursue a ‘serious’ profession, such as medicine, just like my older sister, who was studying to become a doctor.

Whenever my mother saw me drawing, she would often destroy my work.

She feared the rigid, patriarchal society we lived in, one that imposed so much discrimination against women. For her, I needed to choose a career with prestige, safety, and financial security.

But my dream of becoming an artist clashed with her hopes. There was also a larger cultural context at play.

It was the era of General Zia-ul-Haq’s military dictatorship in Pakistan, and with the rise of Islamisation, artists were often dismissed as mere craftsmen.

Figurative art, in particular, was viewed as un-Islamic, adding another layer of resistance to my chosen path.

Zia-ul-Haq’s military regime ended in 1988, and Pakistan witnessed a significant shift, with Benazir Bhutto becoming the country’s first female Prime Minister.

This change marked a turning point for many educated women who began striving for greater liberty and equality.

Women were gaining access to employment opportunities and making their voices heard, both within and outside the political sphere.

The environment became much more conducive to artistic growth, and during this time, there was a dramatic increase in the number of professional women artists, many of whom entered the international arena.

After high school, my parents eventually relented, but only on one condition: if I pursued an art career, I had to be at the top of my game.

This compromise allowed me to follow my passion while still meeting their expectations for success.

What themes do you find most fascinating and why?

The theme that I enjoy the most is religious extremism, as I myself have been a victim of it.

Also, the rise of hypernationalism in South Asia is a significant topic for me because I find it concerning that our governments prioritise extremist ideals as opposed to more compelling issues, such as the economy or their country’s education.

Additionally, the subject of gender equality or feminism issues is a recurring theme in my works as well.

How important do you think social issues are in art?

I believe that art provides a unique, symbolic, non-verbal way for humans to express the most profound aspects of their existence – things that cannot always be fully conveyed through words alone.

I see art as a form of visual communication, as opposed to simply decoration.

For me, my art is not intended to adorn living rooms but rather to serve as a tool to expose and question the harsh realities around me – realities that mainstream media often overlooks or avoids.

As an artist, my role is to confront these issues and preserve the stories of people or events, like religious figures or clerics, that might otherwise be erased from history.

I believe these subjects deserve a place on museum walls for future generations, much like how we now admire mythical figures like Greek centaurs and satyrs.

Through my work, I aim to make sure these realities are not forgotten.

Are there any artists who have inspired you in your journey?

Many of my works are pastiches of classical painters or are inspired by various art traditions and the works of the Old Masters.

Artists who have profoundly influenced my journey include Jacques-Louis David, whose strong political messages and civic virtues, combined with the drama and theatricality of his work during the French Revolution, have significantly shaped my practice.

Nicolas Poussin, from the Neoclassical movement, has also had a major impact, particularly through his depictions of scenes from the Bible, ancient history, and mythology.

I am drawn to the intense emotional expressions and dramatic energy found in Baroque art, especially in the works of Rubens. Caravaggio’s naturalism and his focus on ordinary people in religious contexts resonate with me as they enhance the emotional depth of his pieces.

Lastly, Frans Hals’ simplicity and directness in portraiture have been key influences in how I capture human subjects. Rudolf Swobodar, Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, Kehinde Wiley, and Shahzia Sikander. 

How do you feel when you see your artwork in exhibitions?

While emotions are certainly part of the experience, what matters more to me is whether people can truly engage with the visual language of my work.

I focus on how they perceive it—whether I’ve been successful in conveying my message and creating even the slightest impact.

Has my work resonated with younger generations? These are the questions that concern me when my art is displayed. 

Which painting(s) are closest to your heart?

For any artist, each and every artwork is like their baby, and it’s extremely hard to select a favourite.

But if you ask which one is the closest to my heart? Then, I Have to Love You and Leave You explores the fleeting nature of human existence and the profound, enigmatic bond between a mother and child.

The painting captures the final moments before death, set against a cosmic backdrop, where the identities of those parting remain ambiguous.

Yet, despite the impending separation, love binds them eternally, their connection transcending the boundaries of life and death.

What advice would you give to budding artists?

My advice would be to stick to your traditional art practice no matter how much you evolve as an artist, even if you explore new mediums and techniques and your art practices completely drift away from the traditional way of making art.

We are living in times where digital tablets and AI-generated tools are available, but we keep practising traditional skills.

Just as for a good athlete practising daily to build your stamina and muscles, similarly for an artist, your connection with any traditional surface, paper, canvas, whatever with charcoal or pencil and practising your skills is equally important.

Can you tell us a bit about your future work?

Right now, I am working on artwork that addresses gender-based inequality and patriarchal norms that still plague our society.

What do you hope people take away from your art?

I believe in this quote: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable”.

I hope my art offers an honest and unfiltered depiction of the pressing issues affecting our society.

I want the visual elements to have a lasting impact, to unsettle viewers and leave them reflecting deeply.

I want my work to persist long after I’m gone, continuing to serve as a source of truth for those who seek it.

Saira Wasim is undoubtedly one of the most enigmatic and creative painters in the realm of art.

Her beliefs, her journey, and her craftsmanship will serve as an inspiration for art aficionados. 

Every painting of hers conveys a heartfelt and distinct mention, aided by an essential voice.

As Saira Wasim continues to cultivate new horizons in art, we are all here to support her.