Culture Forward commissioned Birmingham-based artists Taiba Akhtar and Haseebah Ali to create original artwork in response to the Birmingham Qur’an and wider Mingana Collection as part of the Qur’an in the City project.
Both artists were invited by Ikon Gallery to create work on the antique printing press at the heart of its exhibition, Start the Press! Whilst raising awareness around the Birmingham Qur’an, they shared their expertise in traditional and contemporary Printmaking techniques with Ikon’s visitors and educational groups. You can read more about their experience here.
Now the prints are made, it is a great time to look at some recent engagement with and showcases of the prints.
Community Iftar
A highlight was the annual University of Birmingham Islamic Society’s Community Iftar. This event took place on Friday 15th March 2024 and welcomed over 1,300 visitors to campus, of all faiths and no faith, to enjoy a meal together. This was a wonderful evening which consisted of speeches from guest speakers, iftar and desserts under the campus lights.
In the exhibition portion, Taiba and Haseebah’s prints were displayed and received much positive feedback and interest.
Workshops at Local Schools
The artists have also been busy leading workshops at schools.
Haseebah Ali predominantly works in lino-cut printmaking. This process requires blocks to be cut in relief by hand, which are then rolled with ink and printed onto paper. Creating such intricate patterns in this medium requires patience and concentration, the creation of the artwork becoming a form of spiritual dedication. She shared her experiences and encouraged students to have a go.
In early March, Haseebah led a monoprinting workshop for 30 students from Handsworth School for Girls and Handsworth Wood Academy. She introduced her work and how Islamic pattern-based artwork influences her practice. Students learned about the Mingana Collection and the discovery of the Birmingham Qur’an within the Cadbury Research Library. Students then responded to Arabic Calligraphy from the Birmingham Qur’an and other sacred texts to create experimental prints.
Students from the King Edward’s network were invited to Ikon for a unique printmaking workshop led by Haseebah. Students worked from resources reproduced from the Mingana Collection and Birmingham Qur’an manuscript. Using brushes and printing ink, they were able to work directly over the images onto clear plates, studying the style and geometry of ancient Arabic script. Using the technique of Monoprinting, the painted images were then transferred onto sheets of paper. Students were encouraged to experiment by using multiple colours on the same plate, exploring illumination and pattern to create new compositions.
