Currency notes are some of the most ubiquitous artefacts in modern society. Primarily a tool of economic activity, they are also used – almost universally – as canvases on which to promote a nation's history, important figures, culture, and more.
Pakistan's currency notes have historically focused on two elements: Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and architectural and archaeological treasures of the country. One important that has been left out in our currency notes design (and the larger society for the most part) is art and culture. Pakistan is home to a rich cultural heritage and it needs to be spread and glorified.
Thankfully, a young art student, Rida Mushtaq, from Rawalpindi's Fatima Jinnah Women University, is doing just that. Her hypothetical redesigns of Pakistan's currency notes focus heavily on the arts, crafts and culture. Part of her grahic design thesis, these are vivid, filled with rich detail, and frankly quite beautiful. Bonus: one even features Abida Parveen!
