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Art of Self-Expression

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By Abida AwaisPublished about a month ago 3 min read
 Art of Self-Expression
Photo by Cleo Vermij on Unsplash

I've been looking at this piece for a year, and no one has bought it. Now that I've just gotten paid, I think I ought to finally get it. It's so charming, with a bow and an emblem, which I'm truly into right now. Emblems are such a fun detail—they add a touch of refinement and a bit of energy. I've been gravitating towards pieces that inspire a sense of fancy academia, a style that blends intellectual sophistication with a hint of vintage charm.

My daily wardrobe is quite consistent. I wear the same shirt every day—not literally the same one, but I have several duplicates of it. Paired with these unique, often crazy pants, I balance the simplicity of the shirt with something more dynamic. One shirt I have is called "Sova," which symbolizes taking what we've learned from our ancestors and moving forward. This resonates with me deeply, reminding me of the importance of heritage and progress.

I believe God designed us to be free, to rule the world, and to have a will. This freedom includes being creative. Sometimes, I don’t see myself as just human but more like a cartoon character, larger than life and expressive. I focus on three things in fashion: silhouette, color, and texture. Each of these elements needs careful consideration—whether they should be unified or contrasting. Silhouette defines the shape and form, color brings vibrancy and mood, and texture adds depth and tactile interest.

My favorite color has evolved over time. It was black, then brown, then purple, and now pink. This evolution reflects my changing tastes and how I view myself and the world. My fashion influences are diverse: I love ghetto fashion, historical styles, animal prints, ghoulish themes, and Americana. These styles bring statement pieces and conversation starters into my wardrobe, allowing me to blend the old with the new and the bold with the classic.

For instance, I love black woman Bohemian styles, bell bottoms, shirts with buttons and collars, gypsy shorts, and tank tops. My look is eclectic, with touches of grunge and fairy-inspired elements. This mix allows me to be an individual and express my creativity. It’s about crafting a personal narrative through what I wear, blending different influences to create something uniquely mine.

As an artist, my body and self are my art. I intentionally use clothes to change people's perceptions or challenge their preconceived notions. Recently, I wore a shirt featuring a black woman with the phrase "Black is Beautiful." My mom saw it on FaceTime and loved it, but also warned me not to make myself a target. This made me reflect on how celebrating myself can sometimes be seen as controversial, highlighting the societal challenges we still face.

Comfort is essential to me—not just physical comfort but also feeling comfortable in expressing myself. Fancy clothes can make people feel more confident, so it’s about finding what makes you feel good. It's not that the world would be better if we were all naked; instead, it’s about living in a way where we aren’t oppressed by the world’s brokenness. We should have the freedom to choose our clothing rather than feeling forced into it.

Fashion allows us to navigate the world with confidence and individuality. It’s a way to express who we are and what we believe in. When I think about my style, it’s about more than just clothes. It's about legacy, creativity, and the freedom to be myself. It's about embracing the complexity of identity and the power of self-expression.

So, if there’s a piece I’ve been longing for and it speaks to me on this level, why not go for it? Embracing my unique style and continuing to express myself through fashion feels like the right path. Fashion is personal, empowering, and a celebration of identity. It’s about finding joy in what we wear and how we present ourselves to the world. Through fashion, we can tell our stories, honor our past, and boldly step into the future.

TechniquesSculpturePaintingMixed MediaInspirationHistoryFine ArtExhibition

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    AAWritten by Abida Awais

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