Maryam Baniasadi is an artist hailing from Iran and based in Lahore. Her work has been displayed in exhibitions across Pakistan. Her practice is noted for possessing a miniaturist’s grace, and a regard for nature and ecology. She takes part in our interview series to shed light on more of her psyche.
The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her authentic nature.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Peace of mind, being able to clear your mind from toxic thoughts.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing loved ones.
Which living person do you most admire?
In different stages of my life I have encountered many admirable people. It’s the moment that counts.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Upgrading iphones.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Uprightness.
On what occasion do you lie?
When I don’t want to go into details.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
When I gain weight, I have a limit for my weight.
Which living person do you most despise?
Someone who copied my ideas throughout, without feeling ashamed.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Focus.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Caring and loving.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I like to give examples. And use ‘like’ a lot.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
There are many things to love, self-love is the key to love everything else.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Everyone has talents, you just have to improve on them. I wish to improve my writing talent.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would change my shyness, and improve my ability to say no.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Greatest achievement is understanding the value of self at an early age. Not ego.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I would come back as myself, in a different situation.
Where would you most like to live?
Near a park.
What is your most treasured possession?
My paintings.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Seeing horrible things happening to people less fortunate that can be avoided, especially women.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Got to finish what I started.
What do you most value in your friends?
Trust. Being able to share things with them.
Who are your favorite writers?
Orhan Pamuk.
Who are your heroes in real life?
I don’t have any heroes, I feel everyone can become a hero. You should just be inspired.
What is your motto?
What you seek is seeking you.
