Archive for January 2015

Grassroots Islamic Art Renaissance in America

In recent years, there are many programs on Islamic Art. However, creating a narrative based on arts revival will require a shift in American Muslim thinking. Before we convince others of Muslims artistic contributions, we must take bold steps to bolster the art cause in the community.

The education curriculum needs to reflect a balanced approach to arts and creative learning. Academics and arts should both be part of our education model. We need to introduce practical lessons and classes on Islamic Art and rediscover Islamic art as a living reality, not ancient history.

NIA, Masjid & Community Center, Newark, NJ

Mosque Decor by Faraz Khan NIA Mosque , Newark, NJ

Art support equals promoting local artists by becoming their client, funding art projects, and allocating programs on art education. In addition, artists must join local art councils and galleries to showcase their work to public. Public libraries, local coffee shops, and higher education institutions are also a good place for art conversation. Creating art is 50% of the challenge and sharing artwork is the remaining piece of the puzzle.

American Mosque décor needs fundamental changes. Mosque and community centers should be a display of living Islam. Every mosque should display a refined taste for aesthetics. Seriously, Sharpie pen calligraphy on wooden pulpit and the walls of any mosque is an abomination. It reflects a lack of respect to the word of God. While Eastern mosques remind congregants of Words of God by employing lofty Quranic calligraphy, some American mosques reflect Home Depot on a tight budget. It is the same penny wise, pound foolish psyche that makes shoe racks out of book shelves and cheapness as a sign of piety. We must remind the community the words of Prophet Muhammad “God is Beautiful and He Loves Beauty”.

American Muslims should sponsor a statewide Discover Islamic Art & Culture exhibition in their respective state to introduce exotic family cuisines, refined clothes that royalty would be jealous of, radiant art that brightens everyone’s day, and plush home décor that is based on the principal of Ihsan. Art is nothing more than a manifestation of the inner beauty. Let us work together to create a beautiful tomorrow. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Faraz Khan is an American visual artist advocating a grassroots Islamic Art. In 2015, Faraz’s artwork was featured in American Sniper, a film directed by Clint Eastwood. His artwork was covered by the Huffington Post: “Warhol, Pollock … Khan? American Muslims in the Arts”. More on www.FarazKhanArtStudio.com and www.facebook.com/FarazKhanArtStudio

We would like to welcome Shamama Siddiqui on her appointment to Assistant Grant Writer Position at Faraz Khan Art Studio. She is actively pursuing research on grant writing projects and enjoys photography and calligraphy in her spare time.

Shamama recently graduated from Rutgers in May 2014 with a B.A. in Public Policy and Political Science with Highest Honors and a perfect GPA of 4.0. Grant writing/research is one of Shamama’s strongest skills as evidenced by the fact that she received 2014 scholarship to present her independent research at International Women’s Worlds Congress an international conference this year. She has been a young and active member of the community and participated as the youngest candidate for North Brunswick Township Board of Education election. She has also interned abroad with Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) in Pakistan where she designed and conducted research on HHRD’s Interest-free micro-finance programs to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs. She has been the recipient of the following awards as well:

• 2013 Ruth K. Bennett Award for Academic Achievement in Political Science
•  Jerome and Lorraine Aresty Scholarship
•  Rutgers Academic Excellence Award (2012-2014)

Shamama is currently pursuing art grant writing for non-profit organization and Faraz Khan Art Studio. .

 We would like to welcome Saba Ghauri on her appointment to Regional Art Program Coordinator position at Faraz Khan Art Studio.  Saba has accomplished incredible feet both in her professional career as a supply chain specialist for Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and as the president of the Noor-Ul-Iman School PTO. She is a highly effective communicator who has led various global initiatives.  At NUI, she has helped lead numerous school activities and special events for students and parents.  As an artist, she has been experimenting with some beautiful oil and acrylic paintings as well as home décor projects that are available on her facebook site www.facebook.com/eyeofanArtista – Please make sure to like her page!

At FKAS, Saba is leading the way by implementing an art education program at Princeton University and streamlining client service systems. We are truly honored to have someone like to Saba to continue our grassroots effort to educate and create Islamic Art in Princeton region.

Photo: Allah written in Arabic by Saba Ghauri, oil on canvas.