Exhibiting our new Arabic Art collection
illumination
Waqas and Sameera exhibit their new Islamic Art collection “illumination” at Smales Farm, Takapuna Auckland. Experience the beauty of unique Islamic Art and speak to the artists.
Location
Be:Hive, Smales Farm,
72 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
Date
11 July – 5 September 2023
Invitation
We are beyond thrilled to invite you to our satellite Islamic art exhibition, “Illumination,” hosted at the prestigious Be:Hive, Smales Farm. The collection “Illumination” is an ode to the profound concept of ‘Dhikar,’ the remembrance of Allāh (God), which serves as a guiding light, illuminating the heart and soul. In the act of Dhikar, one finds comfort, satisfaction, and contentment, forging a spiritual connection that transcends the material world.
The centerpiece of this exhibition revolves around ‘Tasbihaat’ – the specific words of Dhikar that Muslims embrace from a tender age, weaving them seamlessly into their daily lives without a second thought. Through the artistic mastery of Arabic calligraphy and intricate designs, we aim to bring forth the beauty and significance of ‘Tasbihaat,’ making them an integral part of your spiritual journey.
We cordially invite you to be a part of this enlightening experience at Be:Hive, Smales Farm, where you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Islamic art. “Illumination” showcases the essence of our artistic expressions, inspired by the profound devotion and love for the Divine. Your presence and support would not only honor us but also play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of Islamic art in New Zealand.
Join us at the exhibition to celebrate the harmonious blend of artistic brilliance and spiritual enlightenment. Together, let us shine a light on the splendor of Islamic art and the enduring power of Dhikar. Your visit and patronage are invaluable in our mission to promote and preserve this sacred art form in our vibrant community.
Thank you for your continuous support and encouragement. We eagerly await your presence at “Illumination” and look forward to sharing this captivating journey of Islamic art with you.
Why is our exhibit called ‘Illumination’?
‘Dhikar’ is the remembrance of Allāh (God), and it illuminates the heart. One feels comfort, satisfaction, and contentment in Dhikar. ‘Tasbihaat’ are the specific words Dhikar that Muslims learn at an early age, and use in daily life without even thinking. Tasbihaat are embedded in our speech and thoughts, and a Muslim’s relationship with these words makes them unique and powerful, such that they deserve to be written in gold.
For example:
Bismillah Al Rahman Al Rahim بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
“I start with the name of Allah, the most Gracious and Merciful”.
A Muslim will start each action with these words.
Subhan Allāh سبحان الله
“Glory be to Allāh”.
Muslims will remember God upon seeing something beautiful or extraordinary (for example mountains, clouds, or flowers) – Glory be to Allāh, who has created this so beautifully.
Allāhu Akbar الله أكبر
“God is Great”.
And the list goes on.
We thought of expressing our day-to-day Islamic phrases through Art and the first word that came to mind was “illumination” – as Dhikar of Allāh illuminate our hearts, the words illuminate the canvas.
أَلَا بِذِكْرِ الله تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ …
‘No doubt the heart finds peace only in remembrance of Allāh”
A prayer for anxiety and dissatisfaction, the above Quranic verse clearly reveals that there is peace of mind when you remember Allāh.
The approach to ‘Illumination’
We have used a fresh and bright colour palette for the backgrounds, taking inspiration from the cosmos. The gold foil illuminates the calligraphy and the painting overall. It not only renders a rich and vibrant calligraphy composition but also resonates with the idea of illumination – a reflective surface that aesthetically soothes the eyes and the heart.
The Illumination calligraphy series makes use of the Al-Sunbali script, which is a modern script with a dynamic character.
Language is not necessary to appreciate Art. The same is true of Islamic Art – one doesn’t need to know or understand the Arabic language to see the beauty. We hope Illumination and our Arabic other calligraphy artworks resonate with Aotearoa.
We are open to collaboration and keen to work on community projects. Contact Waqas and Sameera to discuss this.
Picture Gallery
