News

Islamic art

While many religions have made use of figural images to convey their core convictions, Islam has instead used the shapes and sizes of words or letters

The primacy of the word in Islam is reflected in the virtually universal application of calligraphy. Writing is given pride of place on all kinds of objects--objects of everyday use as well as entire wall surfaces, mosque furniture, the interiors and exteriors of mosques, But like the icons of most other faiths, script also represents power. Its preeminent use is the writing of the message of the Qur'an, of course, which endowed it with extraordinary strength and transcendent significance.

Arabic calligraphy is a primary form of art for Islamic visual expression and creativity. Throughout the vast geography of the Islamic world, Arabic calligraphy is a symbol representing unity, beauty, and power.

There are various elements to islamic art, the primary one being the calligraphy, but also geometric patterns as well as floral and vegetal patterns were used to illuminate the scriptures.

The Art of Mohammed Ali has been taken across the globe and described as challenging the oft-heard term 'clash of civilisations.' With his unique urban-spiritual art, Mohammed has successfully managed to connect people of different communities through his art, with the themes of his artwork exploring the issues that face contemporary, multicultural societies.

Mohammed has been involved with graffiti-art from a young age after being inspired by the New York Graffiti-art movement, and began spray-painting in his early teenage years. He then continued to study Art & Design at university, and after graduating, he worked in the computer games industry as a designer. It was after his new-found passion and rediscovery of Islam, that he began to fuse his graffiti-art with the grace and eloquence of sacred and Islamic script and patterns. He describes his work as, 'taking the best of both worlds.'

Mohammed Ali's art is appreciated by people of all faith and cultures and he has exhibited his canvas-art as well as created his unique, public spiritual murals in the streets of major cities, such as New York, Chicago, Toronto, Melbourne and Dubai. He has delivered lectures and seminars at universities, ranging from Cambridge University to the University of Melbourne, Australia.

International media ranging from CNN to Aljazeera, have reported his work as a 'bridge of understanding'between faith communities and he has become a regular media figure, speaking about how his art transcends cultural and religious barriers.

Mohammed has recently been awarded a South Bank Show Award, an awards show recognising the best in British Art.