Survivor - Activist - Speaker - Artist
My Art
My journey as an artist has been a healing odyssey, transforming the pain of my past into creative expression. Mastering embroidery in a sweatshop, I embroidered logos on shirts for export, a stark reminder of my days as a child laborer. But through Local Women's Handicrafts, I began to create my own designs, weaving the rich tapestry of Kathmandu's cultural motifs – Hindu, Buddhist, Tantra, Islamic. Sketching by hand, I delved into my subconscious, unearthing a wellspring of creativity. Now, I am channeling all my skills into a statue honoring the victims of modern slavery, a fusion of social activism and fine art that celebrates women's leadership and cultural artisan preservation in Kathmandu.
The Veil is a textile-based fine art piece, conceived to represent protection and honor the anonymity of survivors of modern slavery. Born out of my twenty years of research and personal engagement with women in India and Nepal, this work draws on both my direct experiences as a survivor of Modern Slavery and the countless experience and stories shared with me by other survivors.
As someone who spent my early life working in sweatshops, I was compelled to develop sewing and textile skills under extreme conditions. Over time, these very skills became a pathway to my healing. With The Veil, I transform those memories of exploitation into an expressive artistic language that intertwines poetry, performance, film, and education. The physical veil itself serves as a metaphorical and literal shield—creating safe spaces for survivors who wish to share their truths without further exposing themselves to stigma or danger.
Silent Factory - 2022
"Bunki" - 2022
Memory - 2022
Sacred - 2022
SEVEN KEYS MONUMENT - 2022
Nasreen Sheikh is designing the Seven Keys Monument to honor the at least 50 million people affected by modern slavery, including survivors and victims. This monument will incorporate TransparaTrade technology principles in its design and production, reflecting Nasreen's commitment to ethical and transparent practices.
STATUE CONCEPT "AYA"- 2025
The Seven Keys Monument project, designed by Nasreen Sheikh, serves multiple significant purposes. It aims to preserve the cultural artisan techniques of Nepal and economically empower women through its creation. This social and creative fine art piece will showcase some of the finest artisan techniques from Nepal, reflecting the region's rich heritage and Nasreen's dedication to promoting sustainable development and gender equity through art.
N A S U G A L L E R Y
One day, I dream of opening a fine art gallery that celebrates the native artisan skills of diverse cultures and the artists who have found healing through their art. This concept is still developing, a space where the stories of survivors, including those who have endured modern slavery, can be told through their creative expressions. If you are an artisan preserving cultural heritage or a survivor who has healed through art, I invite you to join us on this journey. Please send an email through the link below, including a sample of your work and a bio, to be part of our waiting list as this project unfolds.
