Life has a way of surpassing fiction in its beauty, joy, and unexpected moments. On April 3, 2025, I experienced a day that felt like a scene from a romantic comedy. It marked my third anniversary of living in England, and my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting my dear friend and favourite writer, Feryal Ali-Gauhar, in Oxford. We attended the Oxford Literary Festival, where Feryal was participating in a session on ‘Women Writers of Pakistani and Asian Heritage.’ What followed was an unforgettable afternoon of conversation and connection over delicious food and drinks, including sandwiches, tea, and freshly baked almond biscuits and walnut cakes. Our discussion ranged from world politics and literature to the occult, the nightmarish ruse of AI, and the lessons we can learn from animals. We even geeked out over ‘The Prisoner’, a classic sci-fi TV show that somehow brought together two of its fans. For now, I want to recommend Feryal’s latest novel, ‘An Abundance of Wild Roses,’ which is a riveting page-turner. This article, however, is about the importance of venturing beyond our comfort zones and hometowns, and the experiences that can shape us in profound ways. By stepping out of our familiar surroundings, we open ourselves up to new people, places, and ideas that can enrich our lives and broaden our perspectives.
As a media professional and Karachiite, I have found Northampton to be my home away from home after three years of living here. This experience is not unique to me, as many artists and creatives have made the decision to migrate to other countries in search of new opportunities, inspiration, and freedom to express themselves. Throughout history, numerous famous artists have made this journey, including Vincent van Gogh, who moved to France, and Frida Kahlo, who travelled to the United States.
Famous astronomer Johannes Kepler had to migrate to escape war and persecution. In 1612, Kepler’s mother was accused of witchcraft in Germany, which led to a tumultuous period for Kepler. He eventually moved to Linz, Austria, where he continued his work as an astronomer and mathematician. Kepler’s life was marked by the challenges of the Thirty Years’ War and the Counter-Reformation, which forced many intellectuals and scientists to relocate in search of safety and intellectual freedom.
More recently, artists like Ai Weiwei have relocated to countries like Germany and the UK to pursue their work.
Pakistani artists in the diaspora bring a unique perspective to the global art scene. They often blend traditional Pakistani themes with modern styles and influences from their adopted countries, creating a distinctive and innovative voice. Unlike some other diaspora communities, Pakistani artists often maintain strong ties to their cultural heritage while embracing the diversity of their new surroundings. Not all artists have to start over when they move to a new country; some, like the renowned Pakistani poet and writer Fehmida Riaz, had found that their experiences abroad had enriched their work and provided new opportunities. Fehmida Riaz’s time in India, where she fled to escape persecution, had a profound impact on her writing and worldview. Women creatives in the diaspora, like Fehmida Riaz, often experience life in a different way than their male counterparts, bringing a distinct perspective to their work. This diversity of experience and perspective is a hallmark of the Pakistani diaspora art community, which continues to thrive and evolve in countries around the world.
Another prominent name is Zia Mohyeddin whose work had taken him to various countries, including the UK, where he had been part of the Pakistani diaspora community. Through his work, Mohyeddin helped to promote Pakistani culture and storytelling, both in Pakistan and around the world.
Tasadduq Sohail was another talented Pakistani artist and painter who made a name for himself in the UK’s vibrant art scene. Through his art, Sohail helped to promote Pakistani culture and provide a platform for underrepresented voices, enriching the UK’s cultural scene with his unique perspective and experiences.
Musharraf Ali Faruqi’s work as a writer and translator has been recognised for its nuanced exploration of the Pakistani diaspora experience, and he has been praised for his ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds. He accomplished the Herculean task of translating the epic Hamza Nama, also known as ‘Dastan-e-Amir Hamza’, while living in his adopted home. This impressive feat took him around six to seven years to complete.
In conclusion, the artist diaspora is a testament to the boundless spirit of creative souls who embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. We, the wanderers, often take the road less travelled, driven by a foolish and fearless wanderlust that propels us to explore new horizons. Through our journeys, we may lose ourselves in unfamiliar landscapes, but it is in these moments of disorientation that we find the true essence of our art. By embracing the unknown, we tap into a deep well of love, compassion, and empathy, which we then channel into our work. Our art becomes a reflection of our experiences, a bridge that connects us to others, and a testament to the transformative power of creativity. In the end, it is through our art that we find ourselves, and in sharing it with the world, we inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
The writer is our Editorial Advisor and filmmaker based in the UK.
