Bushra Waqas Khan | Jameel Prize: Poetry to Politics | V&A

Bushra Waqas Khan is an artist based in Lahore, Pakistan, and shortlisted for the V&A’s Jameel Prize: Poetry to Politics in 2021. Although trained as a printmaker, in her current practice Bushra creates elaborate miniature dresses, which use affidavit paper as the source for their patterns.

Affidavit paper is used for all official documents in Pakistan – birth, death, marriage, divorce, land and property. The paper signifies authority, and carries national emblems like the chaand tara (star and crescent moon) set within floral motifs and patterns. Bushra transfers these patterns to fabric, and creates miniature garments just 50cm high, masterpieces of detailed construction.

Bushra’s tiny dresses nod to Victorian fashion, hinting at the impact of British colonial rule in Pakistan. As affidavit paper is closely associated with items of value and ownership, by using it for her dresses, she challenges patriarchal culture and the notion that women are possessions to be owned.

Find out more about the Jameel Prize: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/jameel-prize-poetry-to-politics

Vote for your favourite shortlisted artist from this year’s Jameel Prize: https://jameel-prize.vam.ac.uk/entry/vote/kogmjJYg