CREATOR
I named this series "Creator" to represent Allah, a source of solace and peace of mind for Muslims.
This series encapsulates four major themes; the lotus plant, the bee, the fetus in the womb and patterns. It is a continuation of my REVERIE and AS-SAMAD series in which I explore similar themes. This series will focus more on the symbolism of patterns and imageries based on Islamic Ideologies. My pieces are a contemporary interpretation of Islamic art and a response to the positive effects of globalization and integration of cultures. My belief system encourages me to think deeply about creation and our purpose in this world.
This series encapsulates four major themes; the lotus plant, the bee, the fetus in the womb and patterns. It is a continuation of my REVERIE and AS-SAMAD series in which I explore similar themes. This series will focus more on the symbolism of patterns and imageries based on Islamic Ideologies. My pieces are a contemporary interpretation of Islamic art and a response to the positive effects of globalization and integration of cultures. My belief system encourages me to think deeply about creation and our purpose in this world.
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I began to study the Lotus plant due to its peaceful and majestic aesthetic. The lotus has long been a symbol for enlightenment and purity in Eastern cultures and has been featured in many Asian folk art. I am inspired by the beauty and symbolic characteristic of this plant, which also flourishes in tropical Brunei. I feel that spirituality is universal and the belief of creation is evident in the beauty we see in nature. |
Creator I
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"Creator I (Revisited)"
61cm x 61cm Mixed Media on Perspex 2019 The healthy lotus plants are bright and rise upwards. The patterned collages and bees float and exist peacefully around the lotus plant. Those who can read Arabic would be able to see the word “Allah” written in jawi alphabet within the lotus plant. I wanted to represent my own experience and perception of the peaceful nature of Islam. I chose the lotus to symbolize this as I feel that its beauty and peaceful aesthetic is universal and can be understood and appreciated by everyone despite cultural and religious differences.
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Patterns
In Islamic art, patterns are a representation of Allah as it is symbolic for perfection and the infinite. In Islam, whatever we do is to glorify Allah and that extends to art. The vivid, harmonious and contrasting colour palettes of nature inspire the patterns I create. My patterned collages are structured but not entirely repetitive and are characteristic of vegetal art, to represent growth and evolution. My process is just as symbolic as the finished product itself. I rely on traditional techniques, as I hand-cut each individual shape. I begin with a blank canvas and a curated assortment of pre-cut shapes which I will further trim down as I progress. The process is meditative, meticulous and adds a spiritual dimension of repetition and contemplation.
My pieces are a dialogue of patterns in cohesion with nature - where both nature and patterns are created in calculated ways, it is neither random nor accidental; everything is planned, functional and has a purpose.
My pieces are a dialogue of patterns in cohesion with nature - where both nature and patterns are created in calculated ways, it is neither random nor accidental; everything is planned, functional and has a purpose.
Bee
Medium: Pen & Ink
I decided to add my geometrically drawn bees as a response to the following verse which describes the nature and purpose of bees as created by Allah.
"And your Lord revealed to the Bee saying: Make hives in the mountains and in the trees and in what they build: then eat of all the fruits and walk in the ways of your Lord submissively. There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colours, in which there is a healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for people who give thought.”
Al-Quran 16:68-69 |
Fetus
"...He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation in three veils of darkness, such is Allah your Lord. His is the kingdom, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be
worshipped but He)..." Al-Quran 39:6 
Medium: Gouache, Acrylic & Gloss
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Creator II
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"Creator II"
70cm x 100cm Mixed Media on Canvas 2018 The lotus plants stem from the colourful patterned collage in the centre to represent creation, fertilization and growth. The three fetuses representing the three trimesters are developing peacefully and unaware of their surrounding environment – only conscious that it is being nourished by the life it is attached to. The lotus plants shade and protect the developing fetuses just as a mother’s womb would. The fetus is completely submissive and entirely dependent on its Creator. The geometric bees are flying around pollinating instinctively, and purposefully. The white background creates a stillness and calm in contrast to the complexity of patterns and forms symbolizing the cohesive nature of Creator & creation.
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ORIGINAL ART PRINT AVAILABLE IN A3+ & A4 SIZE
All art prints are professionally printed on Premium 210 gsm Fine Art Paper
All art prints are professionally printed on Premium 210 gsm Fine Art Paper
As-Salaam
“As-Salaam”
61cm x 61cm Cardstock, Acrylic & Resin on Canvas 2019 |
Close-up of "As-Salaam"
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Serenity
"Serenity"
61cm x 92cm
Cardstock, Acrylic & Resin on Canvas
2019
61cm x 92cm
Cardstock, Acrylic & Resin on Canvas
2019