Artist Profiles - Jaffrin - Multidisciplinary Artist

Pursuing art

Jaffrin's journey to becoming an artist was a gradual one, she shared, reflecting on her path of self- discovery. "I initially had a strong interest in fashion, but the lack of representation of Muslim and South Asian artists in the UK scene pushed me to explore other avenues." "I pursued English and journalism, hoping to find my creative outlet," Jaffrin continued. "But my placements didn't quite resonate with me. It was during this time that I stumbled upon a passion for creative writing. "I started with non-fiction, pouring my experiences and emotions onto the page," Jaffrin revealed. "But it was the thrill of performing my work and witnessing the response from the audience that truly sparked something within me." "That's when I knew I had to delve deeper into poetry and explore the visual aspect of my art," Jaffrin explained

Jaffrin’s Journey

Through her unique blend of poetry and visuals, she continues to inspire others to embrace their own creative paths and celebrate their cultural heritage. "I've always had this burning passion for creativity," Jaffrin shared, reflecting on her artistic journey. "When I first started sharing my artwork on Instagram, I never imagined it would lead me down such an exciting path. "It was a paid commission for a video project that really opened my eyes to the world of visual art," Jaffrin continued. "I had the opportunity to experiment with vibrant cultural emblems, and that's when I realized the power of colour and culture in my work. "I then discovered the magic of working with resin, which allowed me to create stunning 3D pieces," Jaffrin revealed. "With the support and encouragement of those around me, my artwork started gaining attention and became more commercial. "But I didn't stop there," Jaffrin exclaimed. "I wanted to push my boundaries even further, so I began working with clay. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities and allowed me to explore different techniques and textures. "I'm incredibly grateful for the people in my life who see my potential and encourage me to keep pushing the boundaries of my craft," Jaffrin expressed with gratitude.

Jaffrin’s Bangladeshi Heritage

When asked about the influence of her heritage on her work, Jaffrin passionately responded, 'In every way!" Jaffrin's heritage is a constant source of inspiration, deeply woven into her everyday life and cherished household traditions. Driven by a profound love for her heritage, Jaffrin is dedicated to sharing it with others through her art. "There was a time when I felt a sense of shame surrounding my cultural background," she reveals, "But I have now fully embraced it". Her art serves as a powerful medium for self-expression and a way to showcase the cultural richness that makes her who she is. Through her vibrant and culturally-inspired creations, Jaffrin invites viewers to appreciate and engage with her heritage, Her work is a testament to the power of embracing one's roots and finding strength in cultural identity.

Jaffrin's goals are driven by a deep desire to showcase and honour their culture, "I aspire to shed light on the stories and experiences of the Bangladeshi and migrant communities, because I aim to put these narratives on the map, and believe that the representation of Bangladeshis in the arts is lacking," she highlights. "My ultimate dream would be to have a solo exhibition where I can share these stories and give them the recognition they truly deserve. Jaffrin's artistic journey is not only a personal expression but also a powerful movement to amplify the voices and experiences of the Bangladeshi and migrant communities. Through their art, they are determined to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and bring the beauty and significance of their culture to the forefront. "Sharing is at the core of everything I do. Through my writing and visual art, I strive to share stories, experiences, joy, and knowledge. For individuals with Bangladeshi backgrounds, sharing is especially important as it helps combat loneliness and allows others to relate to our experiences. It's incredibly fulfilling when people can connect with my art on a personal level. The idea of exhibiting my work reminds me of my grandmother and the warmth of home. It aligns with my own personal experiences of sharing and gathering with loved ones. Exhibiting my art creates a space where people can come together, appreciate the beauty of Bangladeshi culture, and connect with one another.

Setback’s and achievements

"One of the challenges I face is finding a dedicated space to produce my work and store materials. It's important to have a place where I can freely experiment and create. Another obstacle is the financial aspect. Trying out new ideas and materials can be expensive, and it can be a struggle to balance that with the financial realities of being an artist. Additionally, there's the challenge of not being taken seriously by my community and even my own family. Many people view artistic pursuits as mere hobbies, failing to understand the dedication and practice required in honing my craft."Jaffrin, shares "I am most proud of my poem, SKN, which is deeply rooted in my real-life experiences and anecdotes." She expressed how meaningful it was when her poem was commissioned into a video, saying, "Working with a director to choose the images and content for the video allowed me to create a powerful platform for my poem." Jaffrin also mentioned another proud moment when her work was showcased at the national museum. Reflecting on this achievement, she said, "As a child, I always dreamed of seeing my work displayed there, and now I had the opportunity to challenge the colonial history of the place with my decolonizing message." These proud moments have shaped Jaffrin's artistic journey, allowing her to share her personal experiences and challenge societal narratives through her work.

Future Aspirations

Jaffrin remains excited about the future as she continues to grow her creative practice. She is particularly passionate about exploring the experiences of the Bangladeshi diaspora in East London and is looking into new ways of documenting thee stories, whether through photography, film or collaborative projects. She began developing a campaign with Take More Photos and continues to seek funding and partnerships to bring those ideas to life.

Looking ahead, Jaffrin hopes to take on more commissions and collaborative work that will allow her to fully explore creativity and experiment across different mediums. She is eager to keep telling stories that reflect the communities she belongs to and to continue evolving as a multidisciplinary artist.

Connect with Jaffrin :

You can find Jaffrin's work on:

Instagram : Jaffrin.studio

Website: Jaffrin.studio

Tik Tok: jaffrin.studio