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| STATEMENT |
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| People often think I am trying to be offensive with my Islamic based art. This is a huge misconception as I am Muslim myself and would not want to offend my own faith. The work is about the distorted view many Muslims have of their faith and culture and what makes a 'good' Muslim - especially in a western society. |
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| BIOGRAPHY |
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Currently working and living in Brighton.
People often think I am trying to be offensive with my Islamic based art. This is a huge misconception as I am Muslim myself and would not want to offend my own faith. The work is about the distorted view many Muslims have of their faith and culture and what makes a 'good' Muslim - especially in a western society.
Much of my inspiration is born from my being brought up as a Muslim with parents from mixed religious and cultural backgrounds. My mixed parentage represents the difficulties Muslims in modern Britain have in combining their Eastern heritage with Western influences. In this age there is a clash many young Muslims experience of being raised around the pressures of western society whilst also trying to remain faithful to their religion and culture. There is much pressure and expectation on young Muslims today in this ever changing world which causes some to either rebel completely against Islam or become too extreme. Is there such a thing as striking a happy balance?
In my work I question if you can be a 'good' Muslim in the West; especially if you are mixed race and from two contrasting cultural backgrounds like I. Islam is indeed a way of life. But what do modern British Muslims do surrounded by both influences? Which lifestyle do they choose? Or can the two be fused?
Understandably, identity is of huge interest to me. It's not only about our backgrounds; it's also about how we choose to portray ourselves to the outside world. What defines us? Our jobs? Our hairstyles? Our names? Our choice of t-shirt?
The aim of my work is to give my audience food for thought; whether that be in a gallery, looking at this website or perhaps afterwards, in a moment of contemplation. I believe comedy is a great tool to achieve this which is why I choose to portray my conceptual ideas through a light hearted and tongue in cheek approach. I often do this by the use of symbolic props and costumes, which either take central role in the work or are a quirky discreet aside to the main concept. This further adds to my sense of playfulness.
My work often takes on fabricated scenes and situations. This methodology illustrates and externalises an internal concept. This is achieved by creating false instances which literalise my thoughts towards issues such as culture, religion and my relationship with my practise.
As well as the art world I take inspiration from my general surroundings such as friends, family, television and popular culture. I am also greatly influenced by other forms of art such as music, comedy and literature. These influences become interwoven into my art as they undoubtedly provide the basis upon which much of my work is realised.
In the past I saw myself primarily as a painter. However in 2007 I began to take photographs. Since this my ideas have flourished and this is how I see my art progressing in the future. |
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| EDUCATION |
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| Kingston University 2004-2007 BA Fine Art |
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| REPRESENTATION |
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| SOLO EXHIBITS |
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'Marilyn' - 2006
'Dad' - 2006 |
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| GROUP EXHIBITS |
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2007
'Turbulence' - The Surface Gallery, 1st-25th August
Exhibition in collaboration with Saatchi online and Channel Four in October (shortlisted into final four for '4 New Sensations: a Channel 4 prize for STUART 2007 graduates')
Two posters of 'YOU' displayed at Euston and Finsbury Park London Underground stations
For more info visit Art Below
'Local Thrift Shop' - Stars in the Sky Gallery
Kingston University degree show
2006
'GIFT' - Museum MAN
'Objects in Waiting' - End Gallery
'Noise Festival' - online showcase
'Art in Mind' - The Brick Lane Gallery
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| ARTICLES |
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Independant on Sunday - 24/06/07
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| OTHER INFO |
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| Don't Panic, I'm Islamic! :) |
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| SCHOOL INFO |
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