Tahira Fida showcased a touch of class in her latest Islamic Collection of artworks, using Quranic verses and phrases, which was exhibited at Bait Muzna over the past month

With a clever use of metallic hues, intricate composition of scriptural texts and messages that are timeless, Tahira Fida, one of Oman’s most talented and experimental artists who has been juggling with varied genres and applications of art over the years, recently presented her Islamic Collection at Bait Muzna gallery.

Through a well-defined set of 50 artworks, each with their own identity yet conforming to the common theme, Tahira showed how Islamic art can be made part of one’s home décor, thereby bringing in a sacred element into living space and warding off negativity. Though the exhibition of her collection concluded last weekend, they are nevertheless available for purchase online.

“My new collection of art is based on Islamic art and the influence of Islamic architecture and ornaments. The idea of this collection was based on my discussion with my late grandmother who cherished a printout of a composition of Quranic verses,” said Tahira, explaining that she was curious to know why that printout was installed on the main door of her home and was told that it augured well for all those residing there as well as for those who called on them.

With extra time on hand during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tahira says, she reviewed all her pending projects which were kept on hold for lack of time, and took them up, one by one. Calligraphy was a key project and it was the first to take shape, she disclosed.

“I always wanted to do calligraphy, so it became my new project during that period. I started practising using bamboo pens, which I bought from Iran, and tried to produce an original painting which looked like my grandmother’s printout as my memory took me back to her house and her belongings,” Tahira said.

She soon composed a set of Islamic ornaments with Quranic verses or with inscriptions revering the Almighty, also with popular Arabic words, such as ‘Love’. All the paintings have a mounting and a wooden frame to give it a luxurious finish. The artworks are made on wood and acrylic colours, gold leaves, and gold dust was used to give it 3D sheen using mixed media techniques.

Beauty of Arabic calligraphy

How many artworks does the Islamic Collection comprise?

I had 50 canvases, most of them are in size 40cm by 40cm with wooden frames to give them an elegant and well furbished look. However, coffee tables and stands can be created using the same technique, if customised.

Have you learnt calligraphy before?

Yes, I have done 3-4 courses in calligraphy at an institute in Muscat and one with a famous artist and calligrapher who delivered a course at the Omani Association of Art. Besides, I have also spent some time with some famous calligraphers in Mashhad (Iran).

Are they any applications for your creations in this collection?

These creative designs can be printed on clothes or leather. The original artwork can also be used to adorn surfaces of furniture.

Don’t these artworks of Quranic verses need to be given a place of honour when installed?

Yes, it has to be installed in a prominent place in good view. People who don’t understand Arabic can also buy them as some of them reflect the beauty of Arabic calligraphy with universal concepts and words like ‘Ishq’ which stands for ‘love’. I myself always loved to have Quranic verses in art at home and used to get printouts, like my grandmother. Now, I have original artworks. I believe, these can bring peace and prosperity at home with the name of the Almighty, who is one in all religions.

How fulfilling was the experience of creating this collection?

It was very interesting to create all the pieces of this collection. You will not believe, the entire process was a peaceful experience, and through the creation of this collection, I also came face to face with amazing information on Quranic verses or scriptural texts. Also, I released how beautiful this language (Arabic) is.

Calligraphers say, Arabic calligraphy is a very beautiful and amazing example of art, because in Arabic calligraphy the words are symmetrical and well structured, just like the human body. Therefore, it looks very organic and beautiful.

Do you now believe that your grandmother’s sentiments live on with this collection?

I do believe that my grandmother’s blessings are with me wherever I go and whatever I do.