“Izza Ali Khan, born in 1999 in Sahiwal, Pakistan, is a visual artist based in Lahore. She graduated with honors from Lahore College for Women University in 2023, majoring in Painting. Currently, Izza works as the Gallery Manager at ArtSoch Contemporary. Her artwork has been showcased at various venues, including VM Art Gallery, ArtSoch Contemporary, and ArtNest Studio.”
Category: babel.
It’s December Again by Mary Christina
“Conundrum, conundrum: what is better, coffin or the bed?”
November’s Whisper by Iqra Naeem
“Cold enraptures me in its minimalist ways.
The mountains, the trees, the stars and the haze—
All there to elicit my winter craze.”
Pink Sleeves with White Dots by Hanzla Ahmad
“The protagonist experiences shock and unexpected joy upon receiving a loving message from his father, who has never shown affection before. However, he soon discovers it was a prank by his sister, leaving him in deep disappointment. This moment illustrates the vulnerability of human emotions and the impact of fleeting hope.”
An Ode to Palestine by Fatima Riaz
“The playground, now silent and melancholic, reflects on the loss of laughter and life. Once vibrant and filled with joy, the swings and trees stand as mournful reminders of past seasons. The atmosphere is thick with nostalgia, as echoes of children linger, but the present reveals only their absence.”
When Chai Turns Cold by Zubaria Fakhar
“A poignant and evocative story. capturing the emotional distance between Zoe and Adil through their everyday routines. The chai, once a symbol of their connection, now serves as a reminder of their growing apart.”
Echoes of the Past by Sheikh Maryam Rehman
“The narrative revolves around Lenah, who reflects on the tragic death of Adam, a loved one, two years after his loss. As she navigates her grief, she struggles with the pressure to move on and the guilt of reconnecting with someone new, Liam. Ultimately, Lenah realizes moving on may not be feasible, but she must embrace her enduring pain.”
Cold Demise of Warmth by Laiba Khalid Khan
“In a cold, dark night, a woman sits by the window, feeling lifeless and frozen. Her body is drained of warmth, and as tears threaten to escape, they freeze. Memories and words haunt her, leaving her heart like an iceberg. Despite her attempts to keep warm, she becomes still and cold, surrounded by absence.”
The Street Beneath the Snow by Mahnoor Zaheer
“The piece reflects on the monotony of winter streets, where crushed snow and gravel mirror past experiences. The narrator wrestles with emotions of anger and indifference towards the surrounding cold and warmth. Despite observing sameness in the world, there’s a realization of shared suffering and connection, culminating in an acceptance of their place within this cycle.”
Cold Whisper by Almas Amjad
“A beautiful piece that speaks to resilience, finding peace in chaos, and the quest for self-discovery.”
Fragmented by Laiba Qadir
“Rejuvenation is an elation for a constructed soul Reprimanded by those who don’t stand assured.”
Walk in the Snow by Shamaim Qureshi
“A deeply introspective journey through a cold, somber night. This piece captures the weight of existence, the desire for transformation, and the complexities of intellectualizing emotions.”
Unspoken by Abdullah Asif
“The piece explores the burden of hidden secrets and their profound emotional impact.”
Frost-Bite: قصہ ایک سرد رات کا by Maham Ahmad
“A story of vengeance where a woman seeks to avenge the murder of her parents by attacking a wealthy nobleman, Nawab Dilawar Ali Khan. She enters his house with a plan, attacks him, and decides to take justice into her own hands because the court had failed her. Her inner rage becomes a source of new life.”
Winter Snow by Momal Soomro
“Soomro is a 32 year old self taught artist specializing in landscapes and nature.”
A Delicate Flake by Anam Naeem
Anam Naeem was Born on August 10, 2000, in Quetta, Balochistan. She graduated from the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) in 2023 with a degree in Fine Arts.
“I have been passionate about art from a very young age, dedicating myself to creating a unique world that reflects the inner self and emotional values – a guide to self-discovery and introspection.”
— Anam
Beyond Worthy by Hibah Abid
– published in babel. – volume 2 Honorary mention ARPA 2024 Cottonmouth and velvet all over.Thorns and twigs growing on my shoulder.Where is the luck of the Irish; four-leaf clover?My mind wanders in situations created with fears and what-ifs, faking the adventure like a rover. Scarlet lip stains but not yet on the knife.The filter…
A Prelude to Sanity by Saud Maroof Lakhani
– published in babel. – volume 2 Winner of ARPA 2024 A Prelude to SanityDark bark – the tree of life.I shall pluck off its stem of solitude,And eat its fruit of melancholia.Tender pale sap of tomorrow’s haunted memories –I shall drink its forlorn guilt,And pull at its root, rich with depression.Vivid blossoms – the…
Unheld Echoes by Mariam Ata ur Rehman
– published in babel. – volume 2 Honorary mention of ARPA 2024 In shadows cast by fleeting time’s cruel hand, I dance with fragments of a goddess fair, Her essence, like a whisper in the wind, A wisp of beauty beyond compare. My heart, a prisoner to her distant light, A flame that burns with…
Missing Report by Haris Nazir
“It must be noted that there was no flickering in the basement, just a pitch-black room without a light source.“