Artists often experiment with a range of different mediums, but for Shaheer Zazai, it’s Microsoft Word that sparks his creative practice.
The Afghan-Canadian artist graduated from OCAD University in 2010 with a BFA in Drawing & Painting. Now, Zazai has about 25 works in the Afghanistan, My Love exhibition at the Aga Khan Museum, which runs until April 10, this year. His works will also be featured in Ornamental Gestures at the Doris McCarthy Gallery at the University of Toronto, Scarborough campus from January 21 to April 1, 2023.
Zazai’s works include textiles with mesmerizing patterns and designs that explore the many layers of his complex cultural identity, conceptualized in the non-traditional medium that is Microsoft Word. These range from handmade carpets woven in collaboration with Afghan women weavers in Kabul, to digital on-screen works, prints on watercolour paper, some puzzles and more.
The OCAD U alum’s creations feature intricate designs that showcase his unique style, and more broadly, the power of art in the context of community and culture. His conceptualizations in Microsoft Word are a testament to exploring artistic limitations and parameters.
In conversation with Shaheer Zazai
How would you describe your work that is part of Afghanistan, My Love, at the Aga Khan Museum?
I have approximately 25 works in the exhibition. The works range in medium from digital on screen, prints on watercolour paper, an installation, handmade carpets and some puzzles. Collectively, the works encompass the timeline of my entire digital practice.
What inspires your art?
As a studio practice or as a process, my work is mostly informed and inspired by the idea of navigating and existing within rules and boundaries—this comes through in the form of improvisation and playing around with numbers and colours.
How did you start using Microsoft Word to design textiles?
I started working in Microsoft Word as a self-prescribed task/punishment/challenge to address not feeling achieved enough at that moment. That moment was January 1, 2013, beginning of a new year and finding myself in front of the laptop on a couch. I just asked myself to type 2013 dots and spaces and the challenge was not to stop or be distracted. At the end, the challenge didn't feel as difficult as I thought. Also, at the time this wasn't meant to be an art practice. I continued playing around with the parameters of the challenge I was assigning myself and kept improvising while responding to the rules and boundaries I had set for myself at each challenge. This resulted in what today has become my digital practice.
How has OCAD U played a role in your success as an artist?
When I decided to turn this project into an art practice, there was a call for submission for Digital Painting Atelier Residency at OCAD U. Through that residency, I ended up creating my first life-size digital carpet using Microsoft Word.
What is your advice for current students?
Stay open to all possibilities, mediums and ideas. Never stop making work. Persistence is key in your work growing to where it needs to go.
What’s next for your career?
I have a few projects coming up that are still in discussion so can't really speak about them yet. Other than that, life is unpredictable. I would like to get back to painting soon.