RM Naeem on Red chilies, secularism and the male ego

Text: Mariam Qureshi

Visuals: R M Naeem

RM Naeem’s work is a paradox in itself. His art work will speak loudly with an uncanny bluntness yet the execution will be calculated and with exceptional finesse. The reason why RM Naeem has managed to prove his mettle as one of Pakistan’s finest contemporary artist is not only because he has dabbled with all the contemporary artistic mediums such as installation and performance art, yet he has a deep respect and understanding of traditional art forms --- in short RM Naeem’s diversity as an artist is evident. RM Naeem talks about some of his recent works.  His work carries vision and sometimes ironic humor. 

He starts his discourse with a painting titled ‘Dulha Hazir Hai’. This painting depicts an emaciated man wearing a sehra and posing in front of a cactus. Naeem explains that in our society men want to get married without realizing whether they can support a wife and a family. The cactus implies the shape of a phallus, an innuendo of the prevalent sexual frustration amongst Pakistani people.