MV I Ext: Like mother, like daughter
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MV I Ext: Like mother, like daughter

It's a home with a difference, and the mother-daughter duo ensures that every inch of their living space is covered with kitschy, hand-made artefacts and nature-inspired paintings.

MV I Ext: Like mother, like daughter Dr Parveen Farooqui (left) and Farah Ahmed in their Kirti Apartments home

Their home in Kirti Apartments in Mayur Vihar Phase I Extension resembles an art museum of sorts. Besides the paintings that adorn the walls, every little thing in use — pen holder, mirrors, paper weights, bags — has been transformed into kitschy works of inspiration.

Meet the mother-daughter duo of Dr Parveen Farooqui and Farah Ahmed. Both are artistic, though their mediums are different. While the mother has picked nature as the subject of her paintings, the daughter fashions quirky handicraft pieces from items of daily use — and no two works are alike. They source their materials from a variety of places, including Chandni Chowk market.

 

 

Farooqui says, "We learnt while experimenting with designs on wood, cloth, paper — whatever we could lay our hands on. I was fond of paintings since my childhood, and gradually turned it into a hobby."

She never thought she would sell her work, but luckily it happened. She recounts, "Two years back, one of my friends visited my flat and took some paintings and other items. She offered to pay me. Initially I refused, but she convinced me it was the right thing to do. I would put in a lot of hard work and spend a lot of time on these handicrafts. So, that's how it began officially."

 

 

After retiring as a director from the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2003, she began her second innings with painting. But even while working, she had pursued art. Pointing to her daughter, she says, "I would cook, teach Farah and, at the same time, paint."

Her daughter, who has done an M Phil in History from JNU, was not attracted to art as a kid. Her artistic inclinations took over only after marriage. Her husband was in the army, and as a result, she travelled a lot, picking up different artistic styles. She says, “In the army camps, various development programmes for women would be organised, and art would always be part of such efforts. As a member of the organising team, I began dabbling in arts, and it turned into something I enjoyed doing. No two works of mine are alike — that's a constant.”

 

 

She uses a variety of mediums, such as oil, acrylic, glass, terracotta and clay. Most of her designs and motifs are Indian — though some have been inspired from Egytian art too. There are interesting coffee mugs, hand-painted dupattas, napkin holders and other knick-knacks.

Though the duo does set up stalls during the festive season, they mainly sell their products from home, and also take orders online. So, if you are looking for interesting gifting ideas, Flat No 1 at Kirti Apartments is where you should head.