Return to Sender

Chisthee,46,is currently residing in New York,USA. He has applied for an Indian visa twice in the last three months,and has been denied both times. Seven Art Gallery owner Aprajita Jain,who is organising Chishtee’s first exhibition at Select City Walk,Saket,says that the artist hasn’t been told on what grounds his visa has been denied. “We spoke to the consulate in New York (where he applied from),but got no response,” says Jain,“His work is not controversial or provocative in any manner.”

Chishtee’s work focuses on the universality of all individuals. His exhibition Recycled Identities uses trash and plastic recycled bags as a medium to demonstrate new identities emerging in religion,language,and emotions.

“I personally met several people,including the Consulate-General at the embassy in New York. I showed him press coverage of my works and other relevant documents. They told me that they would do whatever is possible,but I never heard from any of them,” says the artist over a telephonic conversation.

“According to official procedure,a Pakistani national must apply for a visa to India from Pakistan itself,” says SP Bhatt,the Attache Consular (visa) from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. “There are no exceptions. If Mr Chishtee would like to come to India,he must apply from Islamabad,” he adds. Prakash Gupta,the OSD (PR) for the Ministry of External Affairs,adds,“For some Pakistani nationals,clearance is also required from the Ministry of Home Affairs”. Does Chistee fall into this special category? “We do not disclose such information,” answers Gupta.

“ I am an artist,who believes in love and peace,” says Chishtee,“India is like my other home and I know this kind of hassle will not stop me. I will apply again and come whenever it is possible.”

His works are on display at Select City Walk,Saket till today. It will be on show at the Seven Art Gallery between August 2- September 2.

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