As part of Newham Word Festival 2017, we worked with Newham based artist Aisha Naim to explore the therapeutic properties of Arabic Calligraphy.
Over the duration of the festival held in November, an exhibition of Islamic Art entitled, ‘Arabic Calligraphy and the Art of the Words’, featuring original pieces by Aisha was on display at Canning Town Library.
Through a series of workshops created in response to the exhibition, Aisha explored the beneficial aspects of calligraphy practice introducing participants to the Arabic Alphabet so they could create their own interpretations using ink, brushes and paper.
The Newham Word Festival two-week event which includes a vast array of word-based events – from story slams to storytelling, authors discussing their books, visual arts, debates, performances and lots more.
Featuring artists from near and far, local and international, at the peak of their careers or just starting out, Newham Word Festival takes place across the whole borough. Events are held in libraries, community centres, schools and other spots around the locale.
This is a project funded by Newham Council’s Community Neighbourhood Team and coordinated by Discover Children’s Story Centre.
About the artist
Aisha Naim was born in Lahore, Pakistan where she was introduced to art at an early age. She would watch her father draw and paint, which went on to influence her own pursuit of creativity, where she would go on to practice art daily. Aisha developed her own unique style exploring the Mughal era of miniature art and paintings.
Aisha studied for a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art at the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan. It was in her first year that she became fascinated with traditional miniature paintings, which she majored in, gaining a degree in fine art with a distinction, specialising in miniature painting. Aisha now adds a contemporary twist to the traditional Pakistani technique of miniature painting, forging her own unique style.
Aisha went on to spend two years with her teacher, where she developed her skills in miniature painting, leading her to teach students at the National College of Arts in Lahore as a lecturer. Religion plays a significant role in Aisha’s work due to her Islamic beliefs, where she explores how Muslim women are challenged by the Western way of living, and to experiment with the idea of how western society are affected by tradition.
Aisha has had many exhibitions, as well as participating in numerous group exhibitions both nationally and internationally. She has received a number of awards including the highest award in miniature painting, the Haji Sharif award, from the National College of Arts in Lahore In 2003.
Aisha has lived in the United Kingdom since 2005, when she married her husband who has lived in the UK since birth. She continues to infuse her personal style with the traditional techniques she has practiced over the years, and continues to exhibit her work worldwide, whilst reflecting the current status of her culture.
