In an exclusive interview, Pakistani-born, Chicago-based interdisciplinary artist Sayera Anwar delves into her artistic journey, marked by a profound exploration of identity, migration, and shared histories. At just 29, Anwar has already made waves in the art world with her poignant reinterpretations of cultural narratives and her innovative use of mixed media.
Cycles of Memory and Borders
Anwar’s work grapples with themes of the 1947 Partition, diasporic identity, and the weight of borders—both physical and metaphorical. When asked how she envisions her ideal display, Anwar speaks of a “loop” that submerges viewers in her narratives. “The repetition reflects the unresolved nature of these issues,” she explains. Her gallery installations are designed to blur the lines between viewer and experience, creating living, breathing spaces for stories to unfold.
Intimacy Across Divides
One of her most compelling projects, Loudspeaker, captures a virtual dialogue between Anwar and Indian artist Simeen Anjum. Despite being separated by geography and history, the two women connect through the shared weight of the Partition and its legacy. “The silence in our conversations was the loudest part,” Anwar recounts. In a poignant moment during their dialogue, the azaan (Muslim call to prayer) dissolves the borders between them, highlighting the transcendent power of shared histories.
Migration as a Double-Edged Sword
Migration is a recurring theme in Anwar’s work, as seen in pieces like I Love the United States. I Am an American Citizen. Through the story of a Syrian barber rebuilding his life in America, she examines the contradictions and complexities of seeking refuge in a land that may have contributed to one’s displacement. “Migration isn’t just about leaving a place; it’s about what you lose and what you create in the process,” she reflects. For Anwar, migration is both a wound and a rebirth—a transformative journey fraught with emotional and psychological layers.
From Pakistan to Chicago: Rebuilding Identity
Anwar’s move to the U.S. in 2022 reshaped her perspective on identity and art. The alienation she felt pushed her to rediscover herself as both an artist and a person. “The trauma of starting over is balanced by the beauty of connecting with others,” she notes. Her work captures the fragility and resilience of immigrant identities, portraying the immigrant experience as vast and layered, defying singular definitions.
Privilege and the Immigrant Journey
Anwar also distinguishes between the experiences of immigrants and expats, emphasizing the privilege often inherent in the latter. “Immigrants are frequently fleeing war, persecution, or poverty, and their journeys are riddled with challenges,” she explains. Her art seeks to amplify the voices of those navigating these complex realities, making space for nuanced stories.
Looking Ahead
As Anwar prepares for upcoming exhibitions and a fellowship at the Vermont Center, her commitment to storytelling through art remains unwavering. “Art has the power to connect us in ways that transcend borders,” she says. Through her work, Sayera Anwar continues to create spaces where personal and collective histories converge, challenging viewers to rethink the narratives that define us all.
For those who encounter her work, Anwar’s art is not just an experience—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and connect. Her journey reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the shared threads that bind us across divides.
