The story of Prophet Mohammed’s life is one that is close to the hearts of millions of people around the world. That is why artist Tusif Ahmad has spent the past two years heavily researching and creating pieces of paper art that tell the Prophet’s story pictorially.
The five impossibly detailed, intricately carved creations will go on show as part of an exhibition titled Trip to Heaven, an Abu Dhabi Art Hub initiative, at the Rosewood Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Ahmad, 45, a Pakistan-born Australian and father of three, says he loved art even as a young child, but only took up paper cutting eight years ago, when showing his young daughter how to create art out of the simplest material.
“I have always been creative, and I thought of making shapes and images by cutting paper,” says Ahmad. “I started researching the craft and realised that it was a popular art in China and some parts of the world. However, I couldn’t see anyone specialising in Islamic paper art, so I decided to try it.”
Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi Art Hub approached him and asked him to take part in their monthly residency programme. But, unable to attend, Ahmad suggested an exhibition of his work, which would include the newly completed Prophet Mohammed Series.
“I am very excited to be able to show my work to Muslims and perhaps even to Islamic scholars, who will be able to truly understand it. In each piece, I am trying to depict the beauty of Islam and how wonderful our religion is.”
The art of paper cutting dates back to the sixth century, when it was popular in China. There are many modern styles and techniques.
Ahmad specialises in silhouettes cut from coloured paper, a skill that involves first drawing the outline of the image in reverse on the back of the paper. This is difficult with Arabic calligraphy, which features prominently in Ahmad’s work, and is something that has taken him years to perfect.
“This is certainly a real challenge for me, I spent a lot of time getting it right,” he says, adding that paper cutting is well suited to the tradition of Islamic art. “Islamic art is composed of geometric patterns and detailed ornamentation, both of which require intricate precision.
“Paper-cutting art is exactly this discipline, which is almost like the art of miniature painting, and I believe it is the ideal way to show the beauty of Islamic designs.” Besides the Prophet Mohammed Series, Ahmad will also present several pieces that depict the doors of paradise in his exhibition.
They are made from several layers of coloured paper, which give each artwork a three-dimensional aspect and texture.
Another piece depicts Tuba, the tree in Paradise, which is all part of the positive message that he is trying to convey.
“I live in Western Australia, where most people don’t know Islam or Islamic stories. Because of this, they like my art work and appreciate it, but are reluctant to put in their houses, especially because of the way that Islam is presented at this moment. So with this exhibition in the UAE, where many people of different cultures live, I want to exhibit the positive side of Islam and do my bit to change what is happening at the moment.”
• Trip to Heaven by Tusif Ahmad is at Rosewood Abu Dhabi from August 16-21. It is presented by Abu Dhabi Art Hub; for more details go to www.adah.ae
aseaman@thenational.ae