In February 2024, Zehra Aziz (Art of Small Talk, Islamabad) spent a month in-residence* at the Garage. An open-ended artist brief, Zehra began getting to know In-Situ, Nelson and 'the Mums'. Here she shares her experience, which in turn lead to the In Translation** International Residency currently taking place between the two organisations and locations.
Title: The Tea Party in Nelson with the group “Mums 2 Mums” Mums (left to right): Ruksana, Mispa, X and X, Roxy, Jenny, X, Shazia, Shabana, FaizaMedium: Print on Panaflex (Edition 1)Size: 8 Feet X 5 Feet
When you first lay eyes on this scene it appears to embody a quintessential English tea party – a group of ladies with their silhouettes outlined against the backdrop of the countryside, a fancy table with cups, teapots and teacakes. But take a closer look and it does not appear to be a regular affair, apart from the fact that you know its edited with photoshop. The image shares diverse identities, lived experiences and bonds that transcend borders and boundaries. Also wherever there is a group of women you can be sure there is a whole world of stories waiting to be uncovered or told.
So, let me take you back a bit and tell you my story. The fellowship offered travel, a cosy room at The Garage in Brierfield, and a rather vague idea of what I was supposed to do there. Now, picture this: me, in my late 30s, aspiring to be this super-efficient resident artist at an arts organisation. I finally landed in Manchester after a grueling 14 hour journey from Islamabad. Yes, I know, a bit late to the game, right? But hey, better late than never! My grand plan was simple to soak up every crumb of knowledge about how In-Situ, this arts organization, instills art in everyday life in Pendle and then replicate it back home. Oh, and there's this little side project of mine called Art of Small Talk (AOST in short), a collaborative effort to promote art & creativity in Islamabad. A step closer to making it a strong arts organization that can do more in its context for the arts. The Charles Wallace Visiting Fellowship, one that enables mid-career professionals to undertake skill enhancing visits to the UK, bought into my somewhat confused plan and decided to back me on this wild ride. A point to note: everyone else in the fellowship group seemed light-years ahead with their doctorate degrees and world-changing research projects. Meanwhile, my dear mother informed everyone I was going back to study, while my father insisted it was just a fancy paid vacation. And as for everyone else? Well, let's just say they were convinced I'd packed my bags for good and decided to immigrate. The joys of being a late bloomer in a world full of overachievers!
As my time with In-Situ unfolded, I was particularly drawn towards a group called “Mums to Mums.” So I invited the group for a “cuppa tea” with me at The Garage, my cosy place of stay amidst the windy and rainy tail end of English winter outside. Through our little tête-à-tête, what became clear to me was that every woman carried the weight of her heritage, it’s through a dress, gesture, or language — that our stories were very similar due to our shared cultural roots. The mums talked of their childhoods, children, parents, friendships & fashion, making sure that everything that was shared freely and with warmth. As we chatted over a table full of food, one of the participants shared stories of her journey coming from a village to Nelson, the challenges she faced, and the community she found in this foreign land. Her resilience was inspiring, a testament to the strength and spirit of the people who made up Nelson’s diverse population.
Group Photo with the Mums
Mums setting up for tea. Mum in “Shalwar Kameez” Traditional Pakistani Dress
As I navigated being the longest resident at The Garage in its history, my belongings gradually found their way into every corner of the space over the four-week period, mixing with the tools, brochures, computers, and artworks. This unique environment, doubling as both a workplace for the staff and a residence for artists, had its funny moments—like when someone would walk in to the smell of my fresh load of laundry or my breakfast of buttery scrambled eggs on the stove. It was fascinating to see my personal items intertwine with the surroundings, creating a sense of home in a place buzzing with creative energy and collaboration.
Mezzanine of The Garage
In the artist workspace in The Garage
Nelson’s history gives the town a peculiar character. Walking through its streets, you encounter shops in no particular order, variety of takeout cuisines, and fabric markets reflecting the diverse communities residing here & its connection to textiles. The vibrant colors and traditions of South Asia have been transported to the British streets, resulting in this kitsch aesthetic that can be highlighted further and owned. From my time loitering at 3B Systems during *Resolve Collectives work with the youth group, we heard the owner talk of past glories and how his family has seen the town grow, decay and come alive again as if he was talking about a living being. It is the pride people have in their past that is so endearing, something they hold onto incase they come across a curious listener. I was listener. Their stories are what bring to life past generations and hardships that people endured as they adjusted to a new life in this post-industrial town.
At 3B Systems with Resolve Collective
Poster for Nelson Bazaar on a building
Pakistani Dresses and English Dresses in a shop
Colorful patterns outside shop
Sharing meals in Nelson became the highlight of my time there, creating deep connections with the locals. One evening, I found myself in a small cafe, enjoying a homemade fish & chips while having a delightful conversation with the owner about the town’s rich history. On another day, I was warmly welcomed into a family's home for a traditional Pakistani feast. Their hospitality was as heartwarming as the biryani was flavorful, and the kheer was simply divine. I remember one particular evening, acting host to another artist in residence over from Liverpool we were drawn into a mithai (sweet) shop to take refuge from the rain. The fresh syrupy gulab jamuns, laddoos and halwa were the perfect dessert as we shared notes on our lives and our work.
This fellowship went beyond just working in In-Situ or with AOST. It was truly about immersing in the life of Nelson, connecting with people, and discovering shared stories. In Pakistan, we live out our culture through embroidered clothing, hand-woven carpets and *charpoys (traditional beds). It is a way of life where every item has a story. And so, at The Tea Party when some of the ladies displayed their Wedgewood & Royal Albert crockery, which they packed like jewelry, we unpacked through stories of mothers & daughters. In Pakistani culture, one of the many cherished traditions involves reserving special crockery for daughters when they get married to use. This practice, along with a multitude of other customs, this practice is handed down through generations, reflecting the importance of family heritage and the preparation for significant life events such as marriage. We also talked about clothes from popular Pakistani brands and how people back home are constantly adopting a fusion of styles of both east & west. Hence, while identities are fluid, allowing us (the people living in Pakistan) to use resources to create and shape our own narratives, their (the diaspora) identities remain fixed. This limitation is due to a lack of resources, preventing them from creating and owning new narratives and thus relying on inherited ones.
Teacup belonging to one of the Mums
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Traditional Arabic Tea set belonging to one the Mums
Is this a way to make art? Having conversations, even something as simple as tea. Its not fixed, its transient. Although I did not get a formal art education but as an architect I do think a lot about how things are presented to people, and how they might interact with them in a sensory & tactile way. Because I fix houses in need of repair using brick and mortar catering to new owners with new aspirations its almost a stage set for a life. In-Situ advocates creating works that are deeply embedded in community interaction and collaboration. As someone who facilities art activities, it is true art made together becomes a shared experience and a platform for collective expression. The artist and the group find purpose and transform the art product into a tool for highlighting social causes, create cultural awareness & fight taboos.
At Nelson Library for an Artist Talk & Activity
Calum Bayne at In-Situ introduced me to Suzanne Lacy, an American artist known for her socially engaged work, who had done a project with them in the mill in Brierfield. She says “It’s the degree to which you can listen, learn, co-create, analyze, and make an empathic connection through the work that positions you as a student of others. In each project I begin as a learner.” As I reflect on my time in Nelson I was a learner too, I’m reminded of the tea party scene—women gathered together, sharing their lives, their joys, and their spirit. It’s a powerful image, one that encapsulates the essence of community and connection. And while my journey started with a somewhat confused plan, it led me to a place of learning and growth. It taught me that no matter where we come from, our stories have the power to unite us, to bridge gaps, and to create a print of fond memories.
Footnotes:*Nelson is a small town in Lancashire, England, located in the North West region. Nelson boasts a diverse community, reflecting its historical influx of workers from various regions mainly from Pakistan. Called 3B because its owned by 3 brothers.Resolve Collective is an interdisciplinary design collective based in London.
*kheer is a Pakistani dessert similar to rice pudding*gulab jamuns*charpoy is a traditional bed in Pakistan made out of woven rope or jute.
Group of girls having a look at The Tea Party at “Kitsch” An art show at Lok Virsa Gallery Islamabad curated by Sundas Azfer
Zehra Aziz biography
Art of Small Talk blurb
*Zehra's residency was funded through Charles Wallace Foundation
**In Translation International residency programme between In-Situ and Art of Small Talk is funded by British Council