Divinity through the strokes

artist interview

Alefiyah Abbas Ali is a Traditional Islamic Artist who has been creating art since 2012, but branched into Islamic art in 2019. She stumbled into this form of art when she was trying to cope with postpartum depression. “I was going through an artist block mainly because of certain health issues which limited my social interactions and access to printmaking studios.

 After this initial setback, I decided to delve into different art programmes in 2017 and that’s where I came across Islamic Art. After attending few workshops, I realised my true calling, especially Islamic geometry. Drawing circle after another and connecting lines to find a pattern worked like a therapy for me,” she shares.

In appreciation of this art form, in an exclusive interview, Alefiyah talks about her work, career and the field of Islamic Art…

You! What made you interested in pursuing art?

Alefiyah Abbas Ali: I have been into art for as long as I can remember. From making cartoons as a child to taking drawing and sketching classes every year during summer vacations, it has always been a big part of my growing up. I remember very clearly when I was in Kindergarten, I copied my teachers drawing of bird in a nest from the blackboard. My father was called by class teacher and she convinced him that I should participate in an art competition (in which I later won first prize). My parents have always encouraged my passion so, it was a no-brainer when it was time to choose a career path… I was confident to pursue Fine Arts.

You! What courses did you study for Islamic Art?

AAA: In 2017, I attended short workshops of Islamic Illumination Painting from VM Centre of Traditional Arts, which is affiliated with Princes School of Art, London. These short workshops opened doors for me into the world of Islamic Art. Here, I got to learn Islamic Arts from the best masters from all around the world. I did Diploma is Islamic Traditional Art from VMCTA securing First position in 2019.

You! How would you define Islamic art?

AAA: Islamic art is not an art of a specific religion, time, place, or of a single medium, it was influenced by Greek, Roman, early Christian, Byzantine, Sassanians and Chinese art styles.

It covers many lands, populations and includes a range of fields including architecture, calligraphy, painting, glass, ceramics and textiles among others. It has three key elements: Calligraphy, Geometric designs and Floral Designs.

You! Do you think this form of art is slowly getting traction?

AAA: Definitely! I would say it’s the revival of Islamic arts all around the world. When I started learning Islamic arts, not many were practicing it and many had opinion that Islamic art has no scope but in few years this form has got lot of traction.

You! What techniques and materials do you use?

AAA: I use centuries old traditional techniques of Islamic Art. I prepare my paper by staining it with natural dyes, size it and burnish it with agate stone. Paints are handmade pigments extracted from plants, animals, minerals and semi-precious stones. I also use pure gold leaves to make shell gold for illumination paintings.

You! Is there an element in your art you enjoy the most?

AAA: Traditional technique of preparing paints is really interesting, especially making shell gold from pure gold leaves. Painting with it is the most enjoyable element for me in my art.

You! What is the inspiration behind your work?

AAA: My artworks are mostly inspired by art and architecture of Mamluk, Safavid, Fatimid and Mughal’s era.

You! Do you see art, writing and painting as a source to unwind or expressing yourself?

AAA: Yes, definitely! All forms of art are a medium of expression. I have also found the creative process of my art as meditative and therapeutic. Sometimes, I have gotten inspiration while listening to a qawwali or a manqabat, or while reading something and I found it really interesting.

You! Is there a particular work of yours that you are most proud of?

AAA: The Asma-ul-Husna painting is one of my most ambitious projects since I started learning Islamic Art. I made it entirely with natural pigments – which I prepared from scratch – and took over three months to execute. I felt really proud to have used my art in the praise of Almighty and in the most beautiful way.

You! How many exhibitions have you held or been a part of?

AAA: I have been part of 22 group exhibitions in Pakistan and 2 in India.

You! What has been your most exciting exhibition?

AAA: My end of the year Thesis Exhibitions, Fine Art 2012 and Islamic Art 2019, have been my most exciting exhibitions.

You! Is there something that you like and/or dislike about your work?

AAA: I love making art but I still need to work a LOT on my brush work skills. Sometimes while posting close ups of my art works on social media, I cringe. The perfectionist in me is never satisfied.

You! How do people receive your work?

AAA: People have been really kind. Have always showered my work with praises. I feel really blessed and humbled when people come to me and say that they are inspired by my work.

You! How do you feel about the art world and is there something that you want to change?

AAA: I don’t like the culture of art lobbies. I have actually witnessed it. If you are a fresh art graduate from a specific renowned institution, you are welcomed in the art circle very warmly. Whereas others who belong to smaller institutes will not get the same treatment regardless of their skills and talent.

You! What is your dream project?

AAA: My dream project is to create Quran Kareem entirely painted using traditional techniques of manuscript painting.

You! Tell us about some of your favourite artists who inspire you:

AAA: Lisa Delong, Farkhondeh Ahmedzadeh and Maaida Noor.

The International Day of Islamic Art was proclaimed at the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2019 and takes place every year on 18 November. It aims to raise awareness of past and contemporary artistic expressions of Islam, and the contribution of culture through Islamic Art to civilisation. Not only does the Day encourages the appreciation of Islamic art, which has inspired other artistic movements, but also contributes to cultural diversity, freedom of expression, protection of cultural heritage and inter-cultural dialogue.