Artist's Statement

The artist is originally from Islamabad and has been documenting various aspects of the city since 2001.  The video "Refining" is a speeded up run through of photographs taken by the artist in Islamabad on the 23rd of March 2005 (the day of the National Day Parade, being broadcast live on TV) and then on the 3rd of March 2006 (the day President Bush visited Pakistan and met with President Musharraf).     

The video has then been shot off the monitor of the computer, where the viewing of the photographs becomes an almost neurotic activity, repeated, pre-controlled and taped.  The term "refining" is what appears on the screen as the software runs through the pictures, its part of a popular picture viewing software called Picasa, which refines each image as you see it.  For the artist, the term "refining" became a bonus word that also talks about the constant "refining" of the Capital city. 
 

Artist's Diary

As the Tanera Mor International Artists Workshop residency progresses in the first two weeks of June 2007, artists will use this web page to post work in progress, along with their thoughts about the residency.  You can communicate with the artist by using the form at the foot of this page to leave your own feedback and questions.
 

 
It seems that there is no one else on this island. On my journey here I encountered many objects that are unusual and unknown to me, their origin is yet to be defined. On the island itself I have encountered strange, inexplicible activity. I am looking and trying to keep track of my movements but keep ending up in strange spots and situations. Last night, at 2:17 am, as I was making my way up to the Farmhouse, I heard a melody emanating from the Toilets. It was the darkest it gets here. It takes 34 seconds to get from the Post Office to the Toilets.

For any information on possible explanations please do contact me.
Thank you.
Mariam Suhail
Pakistan.

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