An Introduction to Islamic Papercutttting

The Life and Work of Tusif Ahmad Index

What is Islamic Papercutting? • Awards and Past Exhibits • Cultural Value • Reviews and Recommendations • Media Coverage • Artworks

What is Islamic Papercutttting? & Who is Tusif Ahmad?

My interest in art began in my teenage years when I started creating pieces of art doing pen and ink work. Mostly interested in creating land-scape. My interest in art began in my teenage years when I started creating pieces of art doing pen and ink work. Mostly interested in creating landscapes and capturing and preserving the beauty of our world in my work at the time. Throughout my journey around the world, I have experienced and worked with artists of different skills, mindsets, and point of views which have given me a very diverse viewpoint and opinions which I then try to depict in my artwork. I was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and began my visual art learning from Rawalpindi Arts Council. I came to Australia in late 2006. Being a self-taught artist, I have been working on papercutting since 2008. Throughout the year I have been exhibiting my work in many well-known galleries around the world. I have received awards and recognitions throughout the years. To rejuvenate the ancient tradition of paper cutting, I add elements from Islamic traditions to my own style. My style of papercutting is very unique and different from the traditional cuttings. One must see my original artwork, in order to understand what I create. I am a full time artist and works from my own studio in Kwinana, WA. pes and capturing and preserving the beauty of our world in my work at the time. Throughout my journey around the world, I have experienced and worked with artists of different skills, mindsets, and point of views which have given me a very diverse viewpoint and opinions which I then try to depict in my artwork. To rejuvenate the ancient tradition of paper cutting, I add elements from Islamic traditions to my own style. My style of papercutting is very unique and different from the traditional cuttings. One must see my original artwork, in order to understand what I create. I am a full time artist and works from my own studio in Kwinana, WA.

“The art of papercutting involves the artist cutting a whole

painting from a single piece of paper resulting in a

painstakingly intricate and fragile piece of art”

Year Achievement Authority

2018 PAWA Achievement Award Western Australia

2018 Rockingham Arts Council Winner of Open Category Award

2014 Cossack Art Highly Commended Art Award Karratha

Awards

Year Gallery/Museum Inaugurated by

2018 Islamic Museum of Australia – Australia

2018 Labyrith Path Art Gallery – Australia Mayor of Kwinana – Carol Adams

2018 Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery – Australia Stefano Carboni (CEO WA Art Gallery)

2017 COMSATS Art Gallery – Pakistan Australian High Commission

2017 Kwinana Library – Australia

2015 Rosewood Hotel – Abu Dhabi Australian High Commission

2013 Nomad Art Gallery – Pakistan Australian High Commission

2013 Mountford Art Gallery – Australia

2012 Kulcha Art Gallery – Australia

2002 Omikron Art Gallery – Cyprus

2002 Sultan Art Gallery – Kuwait

1987 Rawalpindi Arts Council - Pakistan

Solo Exhibitions

Group Exhibitions

Year Gallery/Museum Country

2017 Rockingham Arts Council – Rockingham Rockingham, Australia

2016 Muslim Life Style Show London, UK

2014 Mandurah Arts Awards Mandurah, Australia

2014 Cossack Arts Awards City of Karratha, Australia

2013 Mandurah Arts Awards Mandurah, Australia

2012 Gadfly Art Gallery Perth, Australia

2006 Artisans Margaret River Margaret River, Australia

2005 Hunerkada Arts Council Islamabad, Pakistan

Cultural Value of Islamic Papercutting Why you should consider hosting this art at your facility!

Papercutting can help commemorate a major life event or a milestone.

This art form can be appreciated while in display in cultural or religious centers, when for sale at art auctions, when used for fundraising events, and when sent as a gift.

Islamic papercutting brings people of all nationalities together in appreciation of its beauty. It helps to build bridges between the Muslim community and the communities at large by helping to facilitate crucial conversations about Islamic History and Art, educating its viewers, young and old.

Reviews and Recommendations

“ I have just come back from viewing this exhibition by Tusif Ahmad. What an absolute feast for the eyes. I could have spent all day looking at his creations as there was soooo much detail in each & every piece. Other visitors would point out either words or images that hadn't yet been revealed to people standing by & I don't think I have ever experienced a viewing of any artist that was creating so much excitement & conversations with complete strangers. The Labyrinth Mosaic Studio on Seabrooke Way, Medina was not only a great venue to showcase Tusif's work it was also a treat for any lover of unique Mosaic tiles. I wish you well Tusif in finding new homes for your wonderful art to be showcased & admired for many years to come. Thank you for sharing Please note: My mere male model is obviously not the artist but I asked him to step in purely for scale of the work.” Kwinana Mayor – Carol Adams

“Celebrating the opening of Tusif’s art exhibition at the Islamic Museum of Australia. It’s on until mid-February, so if you’re in Melbourne between now and then, you must go see it - it’ll be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! ” Affy Bhatti – Director | Business Transformation | Complex Programs and Projects

“The Islamic Museum of Australia is currently showing a stunning exhibition called 'Bismillah- Devotional Papercutting', by award winning Perth based artist, Tusif Ahmad. An ensemble of intricately cut designs, these fifteen works convey themes of spirituality through the art of calligraphy and images. Perhaps the most notable feature is the way Ahmad has deployed a fine art to create these works which at a distance resemble paintings, but upon close inspection reveal works of staggering precision that will leave you awestruck. I cannot commend this exhibition enough - running until 16th February 2019 at the IMA. The detail will impress you as will the accompanying serenity found in a celebration of the divine, so masterfully rendered.” Tasneem Chopra – Consultant, Curator

“Amazing exhibition at Islamic Museum of Australia. "Devotional Papercutting by Tusif Ahmad". If you have not seen it yet, I would highly recommend that you go and have a look before the exhibition ends on 16 February 2019. Unique artwork at its best!” Zuleyha Keskin - Course Director and Senior Lecturer at CISAC, CSU

Reviews and Recommendattions “ I have just come back from viewing this exhibition by Tusif Ahmad. What an absolute feast for the eyes. I could have spent all day looking at his creations as there was soooo much detail in each & every piece. Other visitors would point out either words or images that hadn't yet been revealed to people standing by & I don't think I have ever experienced a viewing of any artist that was creating so much excitement & conversations with complete strangers. The Labyrinth Mosaic Studio on Seabrooke Way, Medina was not only a great venue to showcase Tusif's work it was also a treat for any lover of unique Mosaic tiles. I wish you well Tusif in finding new homes for your wonderful art to be showcased & admired for many years to come. Thank you for sharing Please note: My mere male model is obviously not the artist but I asked him to step in purely for scale of the work.” Inger Ward – Manages Whimsical Wonders “The director and principal architect Issam Nabulsi of Desypher, (the

architectural firm responsible for building the Islamic Museum of Australia ) just stated in his opinion the current visiting exhibition is the best one we have ever had” Works at Islamic Museum of Australia

“I may not be an art connoisseur but I CAN spot a genius when I see one. Tusif bhai starts with a single sheet of paper and conceptualises / imagines the drawings using his brilliance and intellect. Then he cuts pieces out using nothing more than a scalpel and his hands. The patience and expertise needed are astounding. The final versions are nothing short of spectacular. I encourage everyone to visit his exhibition at the Islamic Museum.” Waqas Siddiqi - Senior Relationship Manager at Crescent Wealth

“Some coverage from today’s very exciting event. The beautiful artwork created by Tusif Ahmad was presented to the Deputy PM Wan Aziza and Anwar Ibrahim and they were both very touched to receive such a wonderful gift.” Liz Behjat - Ministerial Adviser

Newspaper Coverage

Dawn Pakistan

Tribune - Pakistan

The HeadQuarters Pakistan

Brit ish Musl im

Australian Community Newspaper Sound Telegraph

Australian Community Newspaper

Newspaper Coverage

The National Abu Dhabi

Austral ian Musl im Times

Kiswah of Kabbah Shareef The Kiswah is the cloth draped over the Kaaba in Mecca, a building prime

amongst Islam’s holy sites. Each year a new kiswah is placed on the Kaaba

during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Dozens of Saudi caftsmen, including

some of the best calligraphers and artists in the world, work in Mecca

preparing the elaborate silk and cotton cloth which is embroidered with

gold thread. The kiswah has many distinct features, one of which is a

specific design for covering the doorway to which this piece is a near

replica.

Kiswah of Kabbah is the cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

It is draped annually on the 9th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the day

pilgrims leave for the plains of Mount Arafat during the Hajj. The artwork is

a depiction of the Kiswah in papercutting.

The Hijrah Hijrah is the migration of the Prophet Muhammed and his followers from Mecca to

Medina (then Yathrib). Fleeing from persecution in his hometown, Mecca, the Prophet

Muhammed was hotly pursued by a band of men seeking to assassinate him. On the

journey, the Prophet Muhammed and his companion Abu Bakr hid in a cave and while

inside, a spider spun a web over the entrance, effectively saving their lives by throwing off

the pursuers. This passage is portrayed with the opening verses of Surah Yasin – which the

prophet recited while being pursued – written as a circular web-like structure.

“Ya Sin. By the wise Quran, indeed you are among the messengers, one a straight path.”

(Quran, 36: 1-4)

An accomplished tracker, Saraqa ibn Malik, was another pursuer, but upon reaching the

fugitives, his horse repeatedly sank into the ground. After requesting Muhammed’s

prayers to help him out of his plight, he returned to Mecca and advised other not to

attempt their own mission of capturing Muahmmed.

Upon reaching their final destination, the Prophet Muhammed and Abu Bakr were greeted

warmly. This accomplishment and the new era it hailed is depicted with medina under a

sky filled with flowers and birds representing happiness, peace, and a welcoming aura.

Witnessing The Almighty Witnessing the Almighty is a representation of one of the most important journey’s of Muhammad(PBUH)’s life called Isra and Miraj. It’s a two part, both physical and spiritual, journey. I have tried to imagine how Al-Buraq, the steed or creature from heavens was used for travel between Mecca and Jerusalem. Then I represent how the seven skies might exist and how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met with different prophets on those skies, as well as imagination of Sidrat Al-Muntaha.

Translation of Surah Fatihah:

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds -The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path – The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favour, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray. (Surah 1, 1-7 Ayaats)

Surat al-Fatihah is the first chapter (surah) of the Quran. Its seven verses (ayat) are a prayer for the guidance, lordship and mercy of God.

Fatiah is that which opens a subject or a book or any other thing. In other words, a sort of preface.

Surah Fatiha

The translation of calligraphy at the bottom:

“Everyone on earth perishes; all that remains is the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honour.”(Quran, 55: 26-27)

The verses above occupy the lower circle, describing the end and how after everything, only God will be left. Around this is patterning forming a globe to represent earth, and the surrounding calliagraphy, making the balk of the work, consists of the names of God. Central to everthing in shining gold is the Arabic word for God, Allah.

The 99 names of God are all drawn directly from the Quran and each speaks to a specific characteristic, such as Ar Rahman, The Most Merciful; Al Mu’min, The Inspirer of Faith; Al Basir, The All-Seeing; Al Muhyi, The Giver of Life, Al Hakim, The Wise.

Surah Rahman - 4

This artwork is the first piece in a series titled “Surah Ar-Rahman”.

Translation: The Most Merciful, Taught the Qur’an, Created man (Surah

55, 1, 2, 3)

It describes how God is ‘Ar-Rahman’ ( The Most Merciful ). This is depicted

in the artwork through the womb, specifically, how, when it is in the

womb, the child is still fed. The verse then goes on to say how he taught

the Qur’an which is shown using the book and the ink and feather. It then

goes to describe how he created man and humans are depicted in the

artwork through the eye. I specifically used an eye to represent the

humans because it brings out the idea, that humans are the only ones

who can truly appreciate this world and its greatness.

Surah Ar-Rahman 1

“He Taught him eloquence. The sun and the moon [move] by

precise calculation, and the stars and trees prostrate.

(Quran, 55:4-6)

Second in the Surah Ar-Rahman series, the piece takes direct

inspiration from the Quranic verses describing God teaching

humankind the means to express intelligence, a concept

represented here with a tablet. The undeviating course of the sun

and the moon is illustrated with sweeping circular calligraphy

reminiscent of orbital arcs. The submission of the stars and trees to

the Divine is portrayed with the central stars ad the globe of flowers.

Surah Ar-Rahman 2

Prophet Yunus (AS) was sent to the people of Naynawa, those were accustomed to

worshipping idols. When there was something wrong in the society Allah sent His

messenger to laid them on the right path.

Prophet Younus (AS) preached them. He explained that Allah is one and only to be

worshiped. But they believed in idols. They refused to accept the oneness of Allah. He tied

hard but they didn’t want to listen to him. Younis (AS) got angry with them The Prophet

warned them against the result of their stubbornness and misconception. He said to them:

“If you worship idols, Allah, the Glorified, will punish you.” But they didn’t listen. So,

prophet Younis left Naynawa and went away and initiated journey towards the

Mediterranean Sea.

He thought that Allah would punish them. But nothing happened, So, Younis continued his

journey to the Mediterranean Sea. When prophet Younis left Naynawa, he was irritated.

After some days the persons of Naynawa saw terrible signs. The sky was full of black

clouds. There was something like smoke in the sky. So then Wise person told them that

Younis was a nice and trustworthy and didn’t lie with us. He is a messenger of one and only

Allah.

All the people repented because they knew that Allah will punish them. They asked

forgiveness. So, the black clouds scattered gradually, and then the clear blue sky began to

appear. The sun shined again. The people of Naynawa rejoiced at Allah’s great mercy and

the blessing of faith and life.

When Prophet Younis arrived in the Mediterranean Sea, he took a permission for traveling

in it. When the ship reached in the middle of the sea, A huge fish attacked the ship, for

preventing all Younis (AS) jumped into the sea and fish swallowed him.

When he opened his eyes, he was in fish’s stomach. Then he realized that he shouldn’t

leave the Naynawa. He asked forgiveness from Allah day and night. His prayer is now

known as Ayat Kareema.

In the Belly of the Whale

Surah Al-Qadr

Translation: Indeed, We sent it down in the Night of Power. What will

explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of power is better

than a thousand months; the angels and the spirit descend therein by

permission of their Lord for every matter. [There is] peace until the break

of dawn. (Quran, 97; 1-5)

Lailatul Qadr, the Night of Power, marks the night in which the Quran was

first revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Muslims regard this as one of

the most important events in history and during it, many stay up until darn,

praying and reading the Quran.

Surah Al-Qadr

Translation: Indeed, We sent it down in the Night of Power. What will

explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of power is better

than a thousand months; the angels and the spirit descend therein by

permission of their Lord for every matter. [There is] peace until the break

of dawn. (Quran, 97; 1-5)

Lailatul Qadr, the Night of Power, marks the night in which the Quran was

first revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Muslims regard this as one of

the most important events in history and during it, many stay up until darn,

praying and reading the Quran.

Tuba Tuba translates to something like ‘blessedness’ ad is the name of a tree

that many Muslims believe is growing in Jannah (Heaven [lit. ‘garden’]).

It is a term mentioned only once in the Quran in the following verse:

“Those who believe and do righteous deeds: blessedness is theirs, and a

beautiful homecoming.” (Quran, 13:29)

The Conference of Birds Inspired by the 12th-century Persian poetic masterpiece, The Conference of the Birds, by Farid ud-Din Attar, the piece elegantly captures the progressive element of striving forward embedded within the story. The poem describes the insights and tribulations the psyche must go through on its journey of spiritual awakening.

Contact me

For more information please contact me through:

Website www.tusifahmad.com Email: contact@tusifahmad.com Mobile: +61 423 408 803