Kashmiri youth vent their rage, usher in hope through art

Canvas means of expression for the traumatised

Caught in their homes for more than two months now, the youth in Kashmir are taking to art to express internal frustration, rage, anguish and trauma of living in a conflict.
Maria Shahmiri, 23, who studies bachelors in applied arts course at the University of Kashmir, said while growing up in Kashmir, she always expected an uncertain breakout of conflict.
“Current literature emerging on this issue underscores that Kashmir remains a battlefield between militants and security forces with its people experiencing traumatic violence. Violence affects almost everybody in Kashmir. I express my pain through art,” said Maria.
She had been caged inside her house in Srinagar for 79 continuous days due to the ongoing unrest as curfew was imposed for 59 consecutive days.
Maria said in every painting Kashmir, her homeland, was always present due to her attachment to the place. She also saw hope in the streets which continued to witness bloodshed for the last 20 years.
“In every painting of mine you can see Kashmir. There is depression, anger and rage in my art, but there is hope as well,” she said.
“We may not always have a comfortable life and will not always be able to solve all our problems at once, but never underestimate the importance we have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can have a life of its own,” said Maria.
Many of these youth who had been painting bloody scenes on the canvas said their beautiful paradise had now been turnedinto a garrison.
“I was always more attracted to the gushing streams, mountains and greenery here, but not anymore. How can you show beauty now when there is so much oppression and so much blood is being shed on our streets?” said Saba, 24, an English literature student.
“What you see happening all around, you obviously express the feeling that comes. I use paintings to represent the internal trauma every Kashmiri goes through,” she said.
Adma Sheikh, 21, studying management, said when she could not go to the streets to protest, it was art that showed her the way to protest and show her anger.
“I am not a professional artist. It was only after I saw the images of boys with pellets fired upon in the eyes that I scribbled it on paper. It shows the feeling of belonging to the blinded generation. Kashmir 2016 will be remembered for blinded eyes,” she said.