Saud Baloch Ahmed

About

Artist Statement 

My artistic practice explores the physical and metaphorical burdens carried by the human form through sculpture, drawing, and installation. Born in Nushki, Balochistan, Pakistan, my work is deeply rooted in the socio-political realities of my homeland. I engage with urgent issues such as enforced disappearances, resource extraction, censorship, and environmental degradation. These themes have long shaped my practice, inspiring a recent focus on the relationship between people’s conditions and the exploitation of their landscapes.

Each piece emerges from extensive research into the history of Balochistan, Pakistan’s contemporary political developments, and cultural practices. I draw inspiration from traditional storytelling and art-making methods, which enrich my understanding and creative expression. Using diverse materials—fabric, clay, stone, and gilding—I create sculptures that blur the boundaries between human forms and landscapes, resulting in figurative and abstract representations.

Materials are central to my work, each carrying its symbolic weight. Clay evokes the earth, mud, and the origins of life, while gold represents hope and wealth, embodying an inheritance that is as much a burden as a blessing. The stones I incorporate, sourced from various locations, including the beaches and hills of England’s post-industrial Northeast, where I now live, create a connection between the natural forms and geology of Balochistan and the landscapes of my current environment. These materials highlight shared struggles with resource exploitation and environmental harm.

In my large-scale drawings, the labour-intensive process of layering countless miniature pen circles has become a form of meditation. This repetitive act allows me to reflect on the intertwined physical and human geography of a region that is rich in resources yet plagued by economic deprivation. Through this meticulous practice, I aim to convey the nuanced experiences of the people of Balochistan while inviting viewers to contemplate the enduring socio-political and environmental forces that shape their realities.