When Pain Becomes Art
When you first encounter the art of Pinaz Kawsher, it may appear to reflect the work of an ordinary artist. But delve deeper into the life that shaped these creations, and you uncover a story of resilience, pain, and extraordinary artistic brilliance.
Hailing from Goalpara, Assam, Pinaz has been devoted to art since she was just four years old. Growing up in a middle class family, her life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a rare condition that causes the spine to twist into a spiral shape. Pinaz learned of her condition in ninth grade, and it brought immense physical, mental, and social challenges. Despite her struggles, art remained her anchor, allowing her to confront life’s contradictions while continuing her education.
Pinaz graduated in 2011 with a degree in Fine Arts from Guwahati College of Art and later pursued a Master’s in Visual Arts at Silchar University. Her condition worsened in 2016, leading her to consult specialists. Doctors at AIIMS suggested a complex surgery, requiring significant financial resources. Her father, Kadrul Haque, exhausted his savings to ensure her treatment. During this trying time, friends and relatives offered little support, yet Pinaz refused to lose hope.
The surgery, performed by Dr Bhavuk Garg, was successful and gave Pinaz a second chance at life. To express her gratitude, she painted a portrait of Dr Garg and gifted it to him. Recovery, however, came with its own set of challenges. Confined to bed for almost a year, Pinaz found solace and strength in her art. The pain she endured transformed her creativity, giving her work a profound emotional depth.
As her health improved, Pinaz’s unique artistry began to attract attention. She participated in numerous exhibitions, and her paintings resonated with audiences for their vivid portrayal of struggle and resilience. Deeply inspired by Frida Kahlo-a fellow artist whose life was marked by pain-Pinaz channels her own hardships into her work, making her a beacon of perseverance.
Today, Pinaz Kawsher stands as a testament to the power of art in overcoming life’s adversities. Her journey inspires countless others, and her work continues to evolve, much like the indomitable spirit she embodies.
We wish her all the best as she forges ahead, blending life’s trials and triumphs into breathtaking art.