Pervez Uddin (b. 2003) is a emerging visual artist from Chitral, now based in Lahore. He studied at the National College of Arts (NCA), where he
learned traditional Indian miniature painting and watercolor techniques. His art connects old myths with today’s world. Inspired by the folklore
of Chitral, he reimagines symbols of power and masculinity. By showing male figures as fragile, hairless, and weak, he questions patriarchal
ideas and highlights the vulnerability of the human body. Following his graduation, Pervez Uddin showcased his work in Creative Currents III at
Ejaz Art Gallery and participated in Asli Contemporary at Numaish, Lahore.
“I use light watercolor washes to show a balance between what is seen and what is hidden. I paint human figures, but I intentionally fade out
extra details so viewers look past simple reality and focus on feelings inside. My two self-portraits, Awa and Awa tn, are strong examples of this.
They are personal pieces about memory and storytelling, deeply shaped by the folklore of my hometown, Chitral. The theme “Macro-ism” asks
us to find special meaning in everyday life. For me, that larger meaning is not about giant spectacles, but about what goes on inside a person.
I see local mythological figures, like the Barmanu, living among us today. Every day, I meet people whose behavior matches these wild, ancient
creatures. I believe these traditional figures still live inside us, simply changing shape through the different faces we put on for society. My
paintings zoom in on the exact moments where these ancient myths meet modern life. In Awa, zooming in on wild, animal-like features gives a
close-up look at an inner primal side. In Awa tn , placing a regular person next to a bird brings out a hidden story that makes you rethink what
you are seeing. By painting in thin, seethrough layers, I show how complex people are, from our wild roots to our polite everyday outer shells.
This close-up look invites viewers to pay attention to the small ways we act around others. The line between being “wild” and “civilized” is not as
real as we think. By zooming in on my own wild side and showing the cracks in my daily mask, I hope to make people look closer at themselves,
their memories, and the stories they tell the world.”