The Mysterious Letters, Realm of the Hidden, installation.
Artist Name: Shafaq Ahmad
Born: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Live: Texas, United States
Website url: www.shafaqahmad.com
Shafaq Ahmad was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. After Ahmad left Pakistan she lived in the United Kingdom, Iran and Denmark before settling down in the United States. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia in 1991 and a Master of Fine Art degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas in 2011. She has travelled around the globe visiting many countries in Asia, Europe and North America. Ahmad worked as an art glass designer from 1995 to 2003 and collaborated with several art glass studios in Czech Republic and Sweden. She also designed art glass for Barovier and Toso Czech Republic till 2003 for 8 years. Her art glass designs are in private collections in many countries. Presently, she works as a multimedia artist. She employs painting, 3D, digital media, print making, mixed media and onsite installations. Ahmad has participated in many solo and over 70 group exhibitions in the USA, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and United Arab Emirates. Her work is a part of permanent collections at the Sharjah Department of Art and Culture in the United Arab Emirates, Museum of Geometric and Madi Art in Dallas, Texas, Mercedes Benz Daimler Financial, Corporate Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas and other institutions. Ahmad’s work has been published in Dallas Morning News, Art Voices magazine, Studio Visit magazine, Islamic Arts Magazine, Emel magazine, Art Now Pakistan, Dallas Art Review, Star Telegram, Libas Magazine, Valassko, Vlastivedna Revue, VAIA, bont VOOR BINNEN, and Ceramic & Glass, among other publications.
Firmaments Revolve and Merge, oil on linen
SHAFAQ AHMAD, ARTIST STATEMENT
I hope that my art brings a different point of view which most of the audience can relate to visually and spiritually. To most people my work may look very abstract and that is intentional but it is the spirit of the artwork that I hope people will connect as individuals and as a group. Also my work consists of repetitive writing or mark making, and layering which represents meditation of each thing on it’s Creator, in the cosmos. If you observe closely one finds this repetition in everything in the Nature from an atom to humans, animal kingdom, plant life, planets, stars, fractals and so on and so forth.
The act of creating serves as contemplative process through which I attempt to show the connection of the universal spirit of all living beings. The experience of being embraced by the universal spirit is expressed through luminosity of color and light, movement through gesture, richness through layering of color, and depth through intertwining mark making. The element of geometric shapes coming through manifests beauty through balance and harmony. The calligraphic mark with a sense of forever being repeated represents the infinite consciousness. The movement and the energy of the calligraphic marks show the constant state of flux of each thing.
The Protector, oil on canvas
How would you describe yourself? And your artwork?
My art work is inspired by the tradition of mysticism which is based on a belief in one Creator who is the prime source of all creation. I truly believe that I am but a vehicle for the creation of my artwork and do not ascribe any credit to myself. Mostly my paintings are spontaneous and not much planning goes into them. The painting evolves as the canvas start to dictate the progression. At some point I stop and move back from the canvas to look at it from a critical eye to evaluate the progression more formally. In other techniques apart from painting I have to employ more structure and planning for example the composition and layering of the images. The process is the most important in my work. I also feel that as I grow as a person my artwork evolves too.
Ahmad at the print studio in Dallas
What drives you?
The love for the Creator and the Creation in all its natural forms. Nature and the Universe itself is a great teacher. All one needs is contemplation and investigation. Actually I learn from everyone and everything around me every day.
What is your definition of art?
Art is an expression of each individual and in a way a portrait of the self, her/his inner struggles, aspirations and relationships. Art is a vehicle to connect to others and cross the boundaries of cultures and traditions. It is a perfect way to not only relate to people but also learn to be accepting of others and to open a dialog without seeming threatening or intimidating.
I know my artwork is finished when…?
My artwork is finished when I feel that adding or subtracting anything would not enhance the artwork in anyway.
The Witness, oil on canvas
Greatest person you ever met?
The most influential people in my life were my parents.
The brought me up with a good balance of belief system, cultural values, exposure to art and literature, work ethic and taught me how to take life as gracefully as one can and be accepting of others.
Have you ever had a spiritual happening?
I wouldn’t be who I am without them.
How do you work?
As an artist I work in my studio for few hours every day or most days. I paint and also work digitally to create artwork. I also employ other media as needed. The aim is to be consistent and work as hard as you can to make the best presentation possible. I prefer to work in in the morning in my studio when I feel most rested and relaxed. I also take mental notes when I am traveling and take photographs as reminders and documentary purposes.
Apparent and Hidden, oil on canvas
I was born and raised in Pakistan which is primarily an Islamic country with a rich history and culture, including art in all forms and literature. Pakistan is also known for many important mystic figures and their inspiring writings. I grew up with exposure to rich textures, colors, sounds and diverse cultures, different ethnicities, costumes and many languages and dialects. Urdu is the national language of Pakistan. I was introduced to visual arts, music, poetry and literature from an early age and remember sitting with my parents and their friends, including well known artists during intellectual discussions and poetry sessions.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
Artists must be true to themselves, and try to use original ideas, thoughts and inspirations. Sincerity is of the utmost importance in what an artist is portraying, for the audience to connect to the spirit of the work. They also must have a good work ethic to consistently produce quality work. The artist must aspire to be the best at what she/he creates.
What work do you most enjoying doing?
I enjoy making art with different techniques and using various media, but I enjoy painting on canvas the most. I also enjoy creating digitally as it allows me to work at a much faster pace. It has helped me in creating installations in a much shorter period of time.
What themes do you pursue?
In my work process is very important. I use literature, contemplation, observing nature and research the sciences pertaining to the cosmos especially advancements in astronomy, astrophysics and the relationship between the micro and the macro in our Universe.
Transparent Veils, mixed media
What’s your favorite art work?
One of my favorite series that I made is Forty Days Forty Nights. In this series I created one image per day for consecutive forty days, working few hours each day. This was a form of meditation inspired by a traditional meditative practice in my culture where the devotee isolates him/herself for forty days and nights to contemplate and try to connect with the Creator.
Forty Days Forty Nights, Chillah series of forty images
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I owned an art gallery for 10 years after my undergraduate studies and worked as gallery director and curator. I represented many local and international artists in Virginia, USA. I also volunteered as an Art Director and curator for a non profit organization till last year in Dallas, Texas. We organized international exhibitions and symposiums to bring Islamic art to the local communities in cooperation with local museums, Universities and other art organizations. Now I have founded a new organization called Contemporary Islamic Art Forum. My aim is to bring contemporary Islamic art to the local community working with local and international artists and experts.
What research to you do?
I have a library in my studio where I have books to research and inspire me as an artist, including books on art, mysticism, science and philosophy. I also research the internet for the latest development in the arts, as well as in the field of astronomy and other sciences. During my travels I am always finding new information and inspiration from people, places and nature in general.