Dear Nani (2017 - 2022) is a project that addresses issues of gender performance and colonial mimicry through the family archive. The photographs included in this project are of the artist’s maternal grandmother, Rhubab Tapal. Nani is performing the act of cross-dressing by wearing several different outfits that belong to her husband. The photographs were taken on her honeymoon after the couple was newly married in Quetta and Karachi Pakistan, in 1948. The artist’s grandfather or Nana, Gulam Abbas Tapal, is the photographer and presumed director of the photo session.
As Nani holds a Children’s Encyclopaedia produced for subjects of the British colonies, she is performing not only the role of man, but also, an Indian man performing the role of a British man. As Naqvi tries to understand these images she puts herself into the unanswered questions. She tries on the role of Nani as well as some of the other contributors to the images, such as the unknown children in the background. The fictional dialogue between Nani and her grand-daughter attempts to unpack some of the questions surrounding these images, while also asking the viewer to revisit their own reading.
Anchorless Press is pleased to announce the launch of Dear Nani, a photobook by artist Zinnia Naqvi
With an essay by the artist, a glossary of Urdu terms found in the book, and a hand silkscreened book wrap featuring a poem in response to the work by Arushi Vats (English edition only), this thoughtfully designed photobook offers layers of intricacies to unpack. This first edition is available in French or English, and limited to 75 or 100 copies, hand signed and numbered. We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.
