Raḥm رحم (mercy)

2023-24
Archival ink on acid-free paper
In process (90 X 68 inches)

” The drawing Rahm anchors Qayyum’s exhibition. The Urdu word rahm (رحم ) means a ‘plea for mercy’ and shares this meaning with other languages, including Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. Triggered by the events of October 2023, the work responds to the multiple forms of dehumanization facing many people around the world today. As a global witness to transgression and suffering, Qayyum’s work offers a silent prayer of mercy. Yet, Rahm remains ongoing – extending beyond the initially planned page. Qayyum hopes that one day, mercy will prevail and she will put her pen to rest.”

– An extract from the ‘ابھی here/now’ exhibition text by Ruba Kana’an, Assistant Professor, Islamic Art and Architecture, Department of Visual Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga. (2025)