Hani Baloch, a fine arts student at the University of Balochistan, has taken a unique approach to shed light on the issue of missing persons in Balochistan through her traditional Balochi embroidery. At an exhibition held in Quetta, Hani used her art to reflect the pain and resistance of families whose loved ones have been missing for years.
Hani’s embroidery combines traditional Baloch cultural patterns with imagery depicting the emotions and suffering of those affected by enforced disappearances. Her designs prominently feature scenes from protests, where families hold pictures of their missing relatives while demanding justice.
“This embroidery is an attempt to present the issue of missing persons through a cultural lens,” said Hani. “Thousands of people in our society are missing, and their families are either waiting or resisting. I’ve tried to capture those emotions through my art.”
The young artist revealed that she faced challenges from authorities while creating and displaying her artwork. Attempts were made to stop her from showcasing her pieces to the media, but she remained steadfast in her mission.
The exhibition drew significant appreciation from students and other attendees, who praised her for courageously addressing such a sensitive issue. Her work depicted the faces of individuals who were either killed extrajudicially or forcibly disappeared, compelling the audience to reflect on the gravity of the crisis.
“The goal of my art is to depict the reality of our society, where every household has lost a young person,” Hani explained. She vowed to continue using her art to highlight critical issues that society and the state often choose to ignore.