Hawa Sandals: The Artist

In our last blog, we revisited the journey of our collaboration with Saks Afridi and the making of the Hawa Sandals. In this one, we wanted to get to know the artist and our dear friend a little better. 

We decided to have a chat with Saks and despite his busy schedule and the differences in time zones, he answered all our questions and it was great getting to know about the things that make him tick.

Where do you travel in your imagination these days? 

These days I’m doing my best to travel to the present and remain there. 


How different (or similar) would you say life is living in New York than when you lived in Pakistan? 

Each place is magical and chaotic in their own way. 


Have you always been interested in Sufism? 

Ever since listening to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for the first time, back in 1991.


How did you come about creating the link between science fiction and Sufism? 

To me, Sci-fi Sufism is about discovering galaxies and worlds inside yourself. In my art, I try to visualize that search and convey that journey in different ways.


Gaetani Pesce said that with our work, we have to bring the future into the present. How do you think this links to the kind of art you make? 

Thinking of the future in context of the present is a form of hope and optimism. 

Do you think viewing art is also a form of travel? 

Yes. But the distance you travel is up to you. 


Your personal work investigates the life of an “Insider Outsider”. Can you tell us more about it?

I define it as the practice of achieving a sense of belonging while being out of place, finding happiness in a state of temporary permanence, and re-contextualizing existing historical and cultural narratives with the contemporary. 


How does it feel seeing people from around the world coming to see your exhibitions? 

Like we’re all connected. 

Thomas Hirschhorn said, “Art needs to be universal. That’s how I have always encountered art.” Would you agree to this? 

Sure. Art can be universal, but contexts cannot.


What is that one project that holds a special place in your heart? 


That would be the SpaceMosque project.

Do you collect art yourself? 

I’m starting to. I like trading work with other artists, that works out well for everyone. In general, I can’t afford what I love. E.g. I’d love to have an Anthony Gormley sculpture or a Loie Hollowell painting, but that’s not happening anytime soon. 


Tell us about some of your other interests that the world doesn’t know about. 

Lately I’m on the hunt for a mid-1980’s Mercedes-Benz Diesel. So I’m spending an unhealthy amount of time researching them. I really need to stop. 


What does the future hold for you?


Whatever I hold for the future.