Pieces and pictures that tickle my brain.
Reads
‘Then, of course, you add turmeric and chilli powder’, by Maryam Jilani
Every recipe I’ve received from my family was in a voice note, so this piece by Maryam Jilani (featuring voice note recipes!) was a spicy fave. She captures the digital adaption of oral traditions through the sweeping popularity of WhatsApp in South Asia.
I’m low-key inspired to let my Notes app musing on voice messages see the light of day.
Sugar on my tongue by Giulia Alvarez-Katz
The only blurb I’m offering: sex, synesthesia, gorgeous pleasure, and a rumination on desire.
Anthropological essay on a literally fluid border: the river Neelam, between Indian- and Pakistani-occupied parts of Kashmir + the relationship between masculinity and militarism.
Actually an unskippable read on food vernacular expressing/reflecting cultural patterns of consumption.
Quoting Mennlay:
“In our current era of digital expression we say “left no crumbs” or “let her cook.” Phrases coming from Black and queer vernacular. Just like “eating” and “ate” has become shorthand for performance and domination online—especially in drag and beauty economies. These phrases trace back to cultures where existing is a creative act. A protest. A random moment of praise that celebrates performance, power, maybe even peace?”
Pics
My friends and I are into analogue photography. I set up this pic: “I’ll place my hands like this and stand in the light and you cut my head off” and my friend Alex took it for me. I wanted to show my jewellery; I could stories about it for hours. I inherited it all from family, and received some as gifts as friends- I love knowing that adornment comes in this way, and I’m grateful for this luxury.
The standout piece is my Nano’s giant carved green agate, inscribed with the prayer Nad-e-Ali.
A fabric store in Montmartre, Paris. Doll-like mannequins half the size of a person, hands played, and draped in multiple fabric samples- couture, of course, made just for them. Inspiration for sewing.
Smoking on a balcony, surrounded by plastic flowers. Taken from inside the Grand Mosque of Paris.
Mounds of gulab jaman and Albert Heijn cake for birthday dessert; sticking candles in both.
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