Artist to hold workshop on paper cutting technique. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Tausif Ahmad, a Pakistani-Australian artist has used the technique to make illustrations on the events in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Though there is no pictorial reference or image of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) or any revered personality, being absolutely prohibited in Islam, the artwork gives a message that relates to a particular incident in the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The exhibition of his 19 artworks, which he created over a period of five years, opened at the COMSATS Art Gallery (CAG), located at the COMSATS University.
Australian High Commissioner Margret Adamson, who inaugurated the event, said that Pakistani artists like Ahmad are a great example of the diverse people-to-people connections between the two countries.
“[They] engage Australians and Pakistanis with Islamic art and cultural heritage,” she said, adding that Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse nation in the world, being home to people from all corners of the globe, including more than 60,000 Pakistanis and over 600,000 Muslims.
“Islamic art in Australia represents a unique heritage, with the relics of the Macassan Traders of Northern Australia and the Afghan Cameleers of Central Australia serving as the most celebrated of Australian Islamic legacies. Pakistan is also justifiably famous in Australia, and around the world, with its miniatures tradition and vibrant pop-art like the genre of truck art.”
Ahmad explained the passion behind exploring this art form.
“The process of cutting a paper and turning them into a beautiful design is my soul. The intricacy of the design and fragility of it when cut is mesmerising,” he said.
“All of my pieces, which I am bringing, are completely hand cut, so all are unique and one of a kind. I represent in my art, how different religions truly teach the same basic principles of love, compassion and empathy and how we must all embody those amazing qualities in life.”
He went on to talk about the topic of his work.
“Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an inspiration for more than a billion people in the world. In honour of that, I have created these art pieces representing the major events of his life,” Ahmad said, adding, “I have done my best to visually represent things in the most succinct yet complete manner.”
COMSATS Art Gallery Curator Farrah Mahmood said that Ahmad’s work was quite technical and requires a lot of patience and skill for transforming an image on to paper.
“The intricate detailing he does on art pieces cannot be done with any shortcut and needs the complete concentration of the artist,” Mahmood said.
“Most of his artworks are either describing a life incident of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) or are conveying one of his messages through this paper cutting technique art,” she said, adding that it also coincided with the holy month of Rabiul Awwal.
Ahmad will also be conducting a workshop on paper cutting techniques on December 27 and 28 at the gallery.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2017.
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