By Rashi Goyal
Seerat Tariq, a 19-year-old artist from Bandipora in North Kashmir, has made a remarkable entry in the world of art by achieving an important record. Recently acknowledged by the India Book of Records, Seerat accomplished the extraordinary feat of creating 106 paintings in just two days, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. Her work has brought glory to Bandipora in Kashmir, and its people.
Seerat discovered her passion for art in the second grade in school when she drew her first painting. It was of a duck, sparking what would become her life-long hobby. By the time she reached her tenth grade, her talent had grown by leaps and bounds, especially after creating a portrait of Yawar, a well-known businessman from Bandipora, which inspired her to dedicate more time to painting.
Despite facing challenges due to the absence of an art academy in her area, she persisted in honing her skills through hard work and determination. She credits her family, especially her mother, as her biggest supporters and motivators in her artistic journey.
The challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic provided her with the opportunity to delve deeper into her craft. During this period, she honed her skills in calligraphy, acrylic and oil painting, further refining her creative prowess.
Her versatility extends beyond traditional canvases; she enjoys creating artworks on paper mache, Chinar leaves, stones, and various other materials. Her ultimate goal is to become a skilled artist and advocate for local art, believing that community support is crucial for promoting and preserving Kashmiri art forms.
With each painting she creates, Seerat continues to grow as an artist, driven by her passion and supported by her community. Her talent exemplify the potential of local artists; they can thrive with consistent encouragement and recognition.
Reflecting on her achievement, Seerat expressed her long-standing dream of becoming an accomplished artist. In 2023, driven by her ambition, she decided to find recognition by applying to the India Book of Records. Notably, she became the first teenage girl from Kashmir to make such an application.
Her record-breaking attempt of producing 106 paintings within a span of two days underscores not only her technical proficiency, but also her determination. Each artwork, a testament to her creativity, portrays a blend of themes that resonate deeply with her audience.
Seerat’s accomplishment has not only brought her personal fulfillment, it has also garnered admiration from within the artistic community. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, particularly young girls in Kashmir, encouraging them to pursue their passions and express themselves through art.
Looking ahead, she envisions continuing her artistic journey, pushing boundaries, and exploring new horizons in the realm of visual arts. Her story is a reminder that with the 3P’s (passion, persistence, patience) and a steadfast commitment to one’s dreams, anything is possible.