Calligraphy is at the core of Islamic art. From 29th May to 8th June 2013, The Mulla Asghar Library and Islamic Resource Centre (MARC) hosted the official opening of The Islamic Art and Calligraphy Exhibition by Ms. Salva Rasool. Visitors feasted their eyes on glorious words from the Quran and Asmaul Husna in the enigmatic and mystical scripts of Arabic calligraphy to set their minds soaring and transcend the splendorous past cutting across all cultural and geographical boundaries. Truly, this innovative artist, in her bold and imaginative offerings, has taken the classical art of calligraphy to new and hitherto unexplored dimensions.
“We are so proud to host Salva Rasool and are absolutely delighted to showcase her work, especially so because Salva is a member of our community who is respected by her peers for her works in contemporary calligraphy and is internationally known for her original Modern Arabic Masterpieces” said Dr Hasnain Walji the Executive Director of MARC.
A graduate from Sir JJ School of Arts, Ms Rasool has been exploring contemporary Arabic calligraphy art for two decades. She is recognized the world over for her calligraphically which is resplendent to the rich heritage while keeping pace with the modern times. Today, her work makes regal appearances on the walls of homes as far as South Africa, Middle East, United Kingdom and the United States and now in Canada.
Presenting traditional arabesque in a stylized contemporary manner is what distinctly identifies her work and continues to baffle and amaze the beholder. One can easily differentiate between traditional Arabic Art and the subtle modernity that is so visible in this genre. Every piece exudes stylized calligraphy incorporated in modern contemporary paintings. Thuluth, Kufi, Dewani,Naskh, geometric and various innovative styles come alive to unfold in her paintings often in colors that are not generally associated in this form of art.
Deflecting from the traditional, Salva uses bright, modern and invigorating colors which bring about a freshness unraveling the hitherto unexplored facets of this fascinating exotic past, where she has skillfully managed to exhibit secular and universal elements of this culturally rich and varied form of art.
Her sublime fascination for the aesthetic sense of the ancient times, combined by her unique modern techniques, brings out the magnificence and the beauty of this exceptional art. For ten days, Ms Rasool displayed her various artwork and pieces were also for sale. In her interview, Salva described the overall objective of her work and how it aims to promote faith through art. Ms. Rasool also held two workshops where participants created splash designs to create calligraphy artwork using acrylic paint on canvas.
The opening ceremony can be viewed here - https://vimeo.com/67618192