Cultural Symbol
For my cultural symbol, I picked truck art. Truck Art is a form of art in Pakistan where trucks (the main vehicle for long-distance goods transportation) are decorated and covered in bright colors, interesting textures, and complex patterns. They brighten up the generally dull and mundane highways and streets. Each truck is unique and represents the region the driver is from; their interests, beliefs, and family.
Truck art is important to me as it reminds me of home. As someone who is currently 6,963 miles away from home, it depicts my culture and tradition. The reason why most drivers decorate their trucks is because they are away for extended periods of time and want to go back but they must provide for their families. During tough times, the artwork comforts them and reminds them that they will be home soon. This belief brings me peace as I, to some extent, can relate to them.
This bright pop of color in my room always inspires me because it reminds me of my past. I did fine arts for three years and my artwork was heavily inspired by the truck art movement and its complexities. I have always been extremely passionate about art and even though at Wesleyan I am not taking any art courses or plan on pursuing art as a career, looking at the patterns reminds me of my past and the fact that if I ever want to start art again, I can. I can revive my artistic passion if I ever want to.
The truck art in my room is also significant as there is a story behind every piece. The smaller piece was given to me by my grandmother when we first went to a market in Lahore. Since then, it has been a tradition that we go every year, and it is a tradition I now miss because I can no longer go with her. The second one (larger) is one I got with my friends before leaving for college. My friends and I went dorm room shopping and found this piece that says “pappu yaar tang na kar” which translates to “bro don’t annoy me” or “bro leave me alone.” We all started laughing when we first saw it because it was a phrase, we all commonly used and joked around about. Even though my friends and I are now in separate corners of the world, I am still reminded of all the memories we have made over the years. So, each time I open my closet door (where I have put this up), I giggle a bit.
In conclusion, truck art reminds me of the life I left behind and it is beautiful and important to me as it motivates me to make the most of the life I have here while cherishing all the memories of the past.
