Islamic Art Exhibit @ Saratoga Library:_
Islamic Art Exhibit (IAE), a non-profit group, was founded in 2009 in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. IAE was formed to promote Islamic Arts as well as provide a platform for the creative individuals of the Muslim Community. It seeks to build bridges between diverse communities through visual arts.
2014 Theme: Women in Islam
In Islam, women have equal rights as men, both in spiritual and worldly matters. Men and women have complementary rights and responsibilities for which they will be answerable to God. God says in the Quran, The Private Chambers (49:13):
“O humankind! We created you from a male and female, and We made you races and tribes, for you to get to know each another. The most noble of you in the sight of God are those of you who are the most conscientious. And God is omniscient, fully aware.”
This theme has been selected to highlight the rights, status and accomplishments of Muslim women through visual arts. The artists were required to compose their artwork without depiction of facial features and human forms. Abstract depictions and outlines of human forms were also acceptable.
Attending an art exhibit at my childhood and local library for me was a thrilling experience. I have always had an interest in the arts and have loved visiting several art galleries and museums across the country with my family, which was why I was very excited to attend this particular exhibit. I have to admit, however, that this art exhibit was significantly different than what I have been to. The vivid aspects of Islamic culture shined in every piece of artwork and I was amazed by the level of detail within each of the artists' work. Every year, the theme of the exhibit changes and the exhibit circulates through several Bay Area libraries. There were several stories behind the artwork and I was fascinated by all the descriptions. This exhibit was eye-opening to me about the religion of Islam and women, but equally interesting to see how this image is perceived by Muslim-American artists in the Bay Area. I hope you enjoy this beautiful culture captured within these pieces of artwork.
Islamic Art Exhibit (IAE), a non-profit group, was founded in 2009 in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. IAE was formed to promote Islamic Arts as well as provide a platform for the creative individuals of the Muslim Community. It seeks to build bridges between diverse communities through visual arts.
2014 Theme: Women in Islam
In Islam, women have equal rights as men, both in spiritual and worldly matters. Men and women have complementary rights and responsibilities for which they will be answerable to God. God says in the Quran, The Private Chambers (49:13):
“O humankind! We created you from a male and female, and We made you races and tribes, for you to get to know each another. The most noble of you in the sight of God are those of you who are the most conscientious. And God is omniscient, fully aware.”
This theme has been selected to highlight the rights, status and accomplishments of Muslim women through visual arts. The artists were required to compose their artwork without depiction of facial features and human forms. Abstract depictions and outlines of human forms were also acceptable.
Attending an art exhibit at my childhood and local library for me was a thrilling experience. I have always had an interest in the arts and have loved visiting several art galleries and museums across the country with my family, which was why I was very excited to attend this particular exhibit. I have to admit, however, that this art exhibit was significantly different than what I have been to. The vivid aspects of Islamic culture shined in every piece of artwork and I was amazed by the level of detail within each of the artists' work. Every year, the theme of the exhibit changes and the exhibit circulates through several Bay Area libraries. There were several stories behind the artwork and I was fascinated by all the descriptions. This exhibit was eye-opening to me about the religion of Islam and women, but equally interesting to see how this image is perceived by Muslim-American artists in the Bay Area. I hope you enjoy this beautiful culture captured within these pieces of artwork.
In the Name of God...
By: Sharifa Katri
Medium: Thread embroidery on cloth
Transliteration: Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem
Translation: "In the name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful"
By: Sharifa Katri
Medium: Thread embroidery on cloth
Transliteration: Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem
Translation: "In the name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful"
Quest for Knowledge
By Shaheen Naqvi
Medium: Acrylic
Description: Both womean and men are encouraged to seek true knowledge in Islam.
The Troops (39:9)
Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.
By Shaheen Naqvi
Medium: Acrylic
Description: Both womean and men are encouraged to seek true knowledge in Islam.
The Troops (39:9)
Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.
The Qalam Series: Modern Miniature Painting
By Marium Rana Medium: Gouache, watercolor, colored pencil, and ink on printmaking paper Artist Statement: Qalam is the Urdu term for the miniature painting brush. This brush is unique in that it is made from one hair of squirrel’s tails and require and extraordinary amount of patience. Qalam also refers to the first and most important step of the painting process. I make gouache miniature works that are influenced by both traditional paintings of the Mughal empire, in what is now modern day Pakistan, and contemporary Pakistani street art. As a Pakistani-American, I craved going to Pakistan for the rich visual experience. I was attracted to the art in museums, as much as the folk art that fills the streets. By combining the use of flat patterning, repetition, and vibrant colors with contemporary iconography I honor both traditions. |
Hope Renewed
By Maryam Umar
Medium: Oil
The Bee (16:13)
And whatsoever He has created for you on this earth of varying colors [and qualities from vegetation and fruits, etc. (botanical life) and from animal (zoological life)]. Verily! In this is a sign for people who remember.
By Maryam Umar
Medium: Oil
The Bee (16:13)
And whatsoever He has created for you on this earth of varying colors [and qualities from vegetation and fruits, etc. (botanical life) and from animal (zoological life)]. Verily! In this is a sign for people who remember.
“Her Vow” (Part 1)
By Arash Shirinbab, Fateme Montazeri, and Behzad Ghorbani
Medium: Calligraphy Ink on Paper
Family of Imran (3:35-36)
[Mention, O Muhammad], when the wife of ‘Imran said, “My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service], so accept this from me. Indeed, You are Hearing, the Knowing. “But when she delivered her, she said, “My Lord, I have delivered a female.” And God was most knowing of what she delivered, “And the male is not like the female. And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of God].”
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
By Arash Shirinbab, Fateme Montazeri, and Behzad Ghorbani
Medium: Calligraphy Ink on Paper
Family of Imran (3:35-36)
[Mention, O Muhammad], when the wife of ‘Imran said, “My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service], so accept this from me. Indeed, You are Hearing, the Knowing. “But when she delivered her, she said, “My Lord, I have delivered a female.” And God was most knowing of what she delivered, “And the male is not like the female. And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of God].”
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
“Acceptance” (Part II)
By Arash Shirinbab, Fateme Montazeri, and Behzad Ghorbani
Medium: Calligraphy Ink on Paper
Family of Imran (3:37)
So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, “O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?” She said, “It is from God. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.”
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
By Arash Shirinbab, Fateme Montazeri, and Behzad Ghorbani
Medium: Calligraphy Ink on Paper
Family of Imran (3:37)
So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, “O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?” She said, “It is from God. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.”
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
Hope
By Taskeen Fathedin
Medium: Acrylic
Hope is the candle that lights this globe
Give all those around you love and care
Let peace spread here and there
For she is the one to pray
With each passing night and day
By Taskeen Fathedin
Medium: Acrylic
Hope is the candle that lights this globe
Give all those around you love and care
Let peace spread here and there
For she is the one to pray
With each passing night and day
Motherhood
By Bassamat Bahnasy
Medium: Acrylic
Description: Motherhood requires sacrifice. To be a mother always means giving up certain options that might otherwise be available. The choices in life are diminished when anyone takes on responsibility for the life of another human being. When mothers live in hardship (war, poverty, fighting illness…) the pain increases and becomes harder to bear, but when they know that God is with them and had promised those who suffer the best reward in the Hereafter, they feel the comfort in carrying on with their mission.
The Cow (2:155-158)
“We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger, and a loss of possessions person or crops. But give good news to the patient, those who say, when calamity afflicts them, “We belong to God and to God we return.” They are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy; And they are the ones who are guided.
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
By Bassamat Bahnasy
Medium: Acrylic
Description: Motherhood requires sacrifice. To be a mother always means giving up certain options that might otherwise be available. The choices in life are diminished when anyone takes on responsibility for the life of another human being. When mothers live in hardship (war, poverty, fighting illness…) the pain increases and becomes harder to bear, but when they know that God is with them and had promised those who suffer the best reward in the Hereafter, they feel the comfort in carrying on with their mission.
The Cow (2:155-158)
“We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger, and a loss of possessions person or crops. But give good news to the patient, those who say, when calamity afflicts them, “We belong to God and to God we return.” They are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy; And they are the ones who are guided.
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
“Raabi Zidni Elma”
By Azeem Khaliq
Medium: Acrylic Paints
Taha: (20:114)
So high [above all] is God, the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muhammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur’an before its revelation is completed to you, and say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
By Azeem Khaliq
Medium: Acrylic Paints
Taha: (20:114)
So high [above all] is God, the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muhammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur’an before its revelation is completed to you, and say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
Free Bird
By Laura Anderson
Medium: Photography
Description: The free bird symbolizes freedom- flying away from oppression over clear tranquil waters.
The Bee (16:97)
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer- We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.”
By Laura Anderson
Medium: Photography
Description: The free bird symbolizes freedom- flying away from oppression over clear tranquil waters.
The Bee (16:97)
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer- We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.”
From Darkness into Light
By Aman Arabi
Medium: Acrylic paint
Allah, (God) the Kind and Merciful guides’ people out of darkness into light, and the result will be eternal delight in the Hereafter.
By Aman Arabi
Medium: Acrylic paint
Allah, (God) the Kind and Merciful guides’ people out of darkness into light, and the result will be eternal delight in the Hereafter.
The Bouquet
By Muneeba Zeeshan
Medium: Stones and glass with real flower stems and bud for an experience closer to life.
Description: Lady Maryam, Hajra, Khadijah, Fatimah, Ayesha, Asiya and many more women, dealy loved and mentioned in the Quran (May God be pleased with all of them)
Islam has presented to humanity these women as a Beautiful Bouquet of Fragant Flowers coming in different forms and hues, who are so different form each other yet united at a single point. They, so courageously exhibit the fragrance… that is…the message of Islam. These are the thoughts that inspired my work, ‘The Bouquet’.
By Muneeba Zeeshan
Medium: Stones and glass with real flower stems and bud for an experience closer to life.
Description: Lady Maryam, Hajra, Khadijah, Fatimah, Ayesha, Asiya and many more women, dealy loved and mentioned in the Quran (May God be pleased with all of them)
Islam has presented to humanity these women as a Beautiful Bouquet of Fragant Flowers coming in different forms and hues, who are so different form each other yet united at a single point. They, so courageously exhibit the fragrance… that is…the message of Islam. These are the thoughts that inspired my work, ‘The Bouquet’.
Single Soul
By Faridah Hemani
Medium: Acrylic
Women (4:1)
“O humankind, be conscious of your Lord, who created you from one soul, and created its mate from it, and propagated from the two many men and women. And be conscious of God, by whom you ask of each other; and of relationships; for God is watching you.”
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
By Faridah Hemani
Medium: Acrylic
Women (4:1)
“O humankind, be conscious of your Lord, who created you from one soul, and created its mate from it, and propagated from the two many men and women. And be conscious of God, by whom you ask of each other; and of relationships; for God is watching you.”
*Note: The underlined parts of the verse are inscribed in calligraphy in the artwork.
Woman
By Aasia Saeed
Medium: Acrylic
Women (4:1)
“O humankind, be conscious of your Lord, who created you from one soul, and created its mate from it, and propagated from the two many men and women. And be conscious of God, by whom you ask of each other; and of relationships; for God is watching you.”
By Aasia Saeed
Medium: Acrylic
Women (4:1)
“O humankind, be conscious of your Lord, who created you from one soul, and created its mate from it, and propagated from the two many men and women. And be conscious of God, by whom you ask of each other; and of relationships; for God is watching you.”
Our Lady Fatima
By Nazish Batool
By Nazish Batool
Lady Maryam
By Rubina Kazi
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Description: In Quran, no woman is given more attention than Maryam. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran and chapter 19 is named after her.
Maryam (19:16)
And mention in the Book (the Quran, O Muhammad, the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east.
By Rubina Kazi
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Description: In Quran, no woman is given more attention than Maryam. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran and chapter 19 is named after her.
Maryam (19:16)
And mention in the Book (the Quran, O Muhammad, the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east.
Gathering
By Farsaneh Faris Moayer
Medium: Acrylic
Iranian women with their families.
By Farsaneh Faris Moayer
Medium: Acrylic
Iranian women with their families.
Sajjad. "Islamic Art Exhibit: Women in Islam." Saratoga: The Saratoga Library. November 8, 2014. All photos were taken at the exhibit.