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Waqas Khan

Waqas Khan’s neon artwork Khushamdeed II 2017 means welcome in Urdu.

Waqas Khan

Waqas Khan’s neon artwork Khushamdeed II 2017 means welcome in Urdu.

The neon has been created from Urdu script, to be read from the entrance of the gallery. Khan chose this word because it is an established and ceremoniously signi cant word from Indo-Persian vocabulary. It represents the liberating feel of anonymity and a judgement-free passage, where there is no discrimination or distinction. Its literal meaning is to salute a newcomer with kindness, to receive and entertain hospitably and cheerfully and to welcome a visitor or a new idea.

Khan has created a series of neons, placing them near the entrances to Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and The Whitworth, linking the three venues with a warm greeting to people across the city.

 

Our Director, Alistair Hudson in conversation with artist Waqas Khan as part of Lahore Literary Festival New York