“The West uses the East as an inverted mirror, imagining them to be everything the West is not.”

                                                                                                                      Edward Said

What is Manifesting the Unseen?

Why do we need your help? - Arts for All

Who we are

The artists in Manifesting the Unseen share an interest in the unifying principles of Islamic art, its origins within the inner realities of divine revelation and its perfect balance of science, art and spirituality. Our work focuses on the essence of things, seeking not to replicate nature but to convey what it represents; revealing what is unseen until nothing remains hidden. The works in Manifesting the Unseen aspire to reflect the infinite nature of Allah; the creation of the pieces becomes an act of devotion for some, and a reflection of faith for others. Through engaging with these themes, viewers are invited to contemplate the idea of oneness and how from unity all diversity emerges.  

Alongside the visual arts, and in keeping with the rich tradition of poetry in the Muslim world, Manifesting the Unseen will also invite a series of emerging Muslim women poets to construct a series of new poems inspired by the artworks to be performed at a Mehfil (recital) as one of a series of events offered as part of the exhibition.

Why are we doing this?

​As Muslim women we are tired of being reduced to the racist stereotypes seen in the media. Manifesting the Unseen is our chance to share the beauty of Islam's artistic heritage in a project that is led by and features Muslim women artists in all of our talent and diversity.

Our Origins

Manifesting the Unseen began as a discussion between curator and poet Nazia Mirza and some local artists about the invisibility of marginalised identities in public space and how for many in the West, Islamic art, including the poetic voices of the Muslim world, remains a hidden treasure. A discussion about how Muslim women in particular often face the challenges of erasure and poor representation in public arenas became an opportunity to create a remedy through Manifesting the Unseen. Working with this element of the exhibition, and in recognition of the erasure Black Muslim Women experience at multiple levels (including from Muslim led initiatives and institutions) photographer Wasi Daniju has been invited to exhibit a series of her photographs of Black Muslim Women; recently exhibited at the Everyday Muslim Symposium: An exploration of Black Muslims in British history and heritage. In Danju’s own words:

“[W]e exist, we are here, we’ve been here for a long time and you need to be able to see us.”

​Support Muslim Women Artists

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Amazing Rewards

Important Note

• Digital rewards will be emailed within 2 weeks of the end of the Launchgood campaign.
• Postcards, fine art prints and existing original artworks will be shipped within 8 weeks of the end of the campaign.
• New or bespoke artwork will be created after the Manifesting the Unseen exhibition has ended. (Exhibition end date is Dec 18th 2018) We anticipate that new works will not be available until February 2019 at the earliest but individual artists will confirm actual delivery dates with the respective supporters.
• Please note that all artworks (originals & prints) are unframed and shipping large items & artworks outside of the UK will incur an extra charge, which will be collected before shipping

1. Thanks & Du'ahs (£5) - Our eternal thanks & prayers, every single penny counts & your donation will help us make Manifesting the Unseen a reality

2. Digital downloads - Exclusive digital artwork from artists Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi & Aziza Iqbal (£10)
Artists Sara Choudhrey, Nazira Bibi & Aziza Iqbal have donated 4 exclusive digital images for donors; beautiful in their own right but can also be printed and coloured in as a great introduction to Islamic art. Please note these images are for personal use only & the copyright remains with the artists (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs)

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3. Limited edition set of 3 postcards (£25) - an exclusive set of 3 limited-edition postcards sharing artwork from our featured visual artists.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks & du'ahs) (Cards will be selected randomly)

4. Lifetime Access to 2 Online Geometry Courses - taught by Samira Mian (£35)  - Learn to draw Islamic Geometric Patterns anywhere in the world with Samira Mian. This reward will offer lifetime access to 2 online courses aimed at both beginners and those with a little more experience. Perfect for adults and older children (age 12+). The usual price for both courses would be £40. Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks & du'ahs)

5. Limited Edition set of Greeting Cards - by Jeea Mirza (£35) - A special limited edition set of 6 greeting cards, featuring 6 different designs based on original artwork by Jeea Mirza.   Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks & du'ahs)

​6. Original hand painted Persian inspired painted flowers - from Esra Alhamal (£40) Persian inspired painted stylised flowers on a range of backgrounds, from paper with text, to maps. Each item will be unique. Small size (A5 or under).  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

7.  Islamic Illumination workshop with Esra Alhamal (£40) - A chance to attend one of Esra's Islamic Illumination workships in Kingston, London on either 21/10/18 or 18/11/18 at a discounted rate (the usual price is £46).  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

8. Taj Mahal - fine art print from Mobeen Akhtar (£50) - An archival fine art print of an original watercolour painting of the iconic Taj Mahal. This print will be numbered. Print size - A3 / 29.7cm x 42 cm.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

9. A Persian Star - fine art print from Jeea Mirza (£50) - An archival fine art print of an original painting inspired by patterns from the Jameh Mosque in Isfahan. Signed by the artist. Print size - 33cm x 33cm.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

10. Cypress & Pomegranate - fine art print from Nazira Bibi (£50) - An archival fine art print of an original Indian miniature painting in the Pahari style. The original painting was completed using handmade watercolours and 23ct shell gold on hand made wasli paper. The cypress representing the eternal male principle and the fruiting tree representing spring and renewal of life are shown entwined. A representation of the reunification of the soul with the Beloved. Print size: 21 x 28.5 cm.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs). 

​11. Nawa e Sarosh - fine art print from Jeea Mirza (£50) - An archival fine art print of an original painting "Nawa e Sarosh" (Sound of Angels), signed by the artist. Print size - 33cm x 33cm.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs)

12. Submission - fine art print from Nazira Bibi (WAS £75 - NOW £50) - An archival fine art print of an original painting, completed using 23.5ct shell gold and watercolour on pomegranate wasli. Four fold geometry showcasing how we reside on the horizontal plane, but enter the vertical plane of transmissions between Heaven and Earth whilst in prayer.  Print size: 40 x 46.5 cm.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

13. Drifting - a scarf by Shaheen Kasmani (£80)- Printed from original artwork and drawings by Shaheen Kasmani, this beautiful scarf is the perfect accessory for any outfit and any season. Inspired by the forms and patterns found in nature and traditional art and architecture from around the world. This piece explores the relationship between nature and the built environment; and the decay and growth of the seasons. Printed and hand finished in the UK, scarf measures 49 x 172 cm. Fabric: French crepe light.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

14. Winter - a scarf by Shaheen Kasmani (£80) - Printed from original pen and ink drawings by Shaheen Kasmani, this beautiful scarf is the perfect accessory for any outfit and any season. Inspired by the forms and patterns found in traditional art and architecture from around the world. This piece describes the patterns found in nature and the built environment; and the decay and growth of the seasons. In particular the bare trees of winter, the ice on the road and our daily interaction with the elements. Monochrome, black ink on white.

Printed and hand finished in the UK, scarf measures 49 x 172 cm. Fabric: French crepe light.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs)

15. Samarqand - fine art print from Aziza Iqbal (£85) An archival fine art print of an original watercolour painting "Samarqand" by Aziza Iqbal. A limited edition of five, signed by the artist.  Print size: 50 x 50cm.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloadable image from artist Sara Choudhrey (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs). Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs). 

16. Dome of the Rock - fine art print from Mobeen Akhtar (£112) - An archival fine art print of an original watercolour painting of The Dome of the Rock. This print will be numbered and the dome and sky will be hand finished with genuine 24ct gold. Print size: A3 / 29.7cm x 42cm.  Please note that this item is being offered at a 10% discount for Manifesting the Unseen - usual price is £125.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

17. Ottoman Inspired Manuscript Illumination - fine art print from Mobeen Akhtar (£112)- An archival quality fine art print of an original illumination, featuring beautiful spiralling vines and motifs in the traditional style of Ottoman illuminated manuscripts. This print will be numbered and finished with genuine 24ct gold.  Print size A3 / 29.7cm x 42cm. This item is being offered at a 10% discount for Manifesting the Unseen - usual price is £125.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

18. Mamluk Inspired Manuscript Illumination - fine art print from Mobeen Akhtar (£112) - An archival fine art print of an original illumination, featuring a beautiful geometric design which is delicately decorated with beautiful motifs inspired by the traditional style of Mamluk illuminated manuscripts. This print will be numbered and finished with genuine 24ct gold. Print size - Approx. 30cm x 30cm. This item is being offered at a 10% discount for Manifesting the Unseen - usual price is £125.​  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs)​.

19. Personalised Studio Session with Samira Mian (£140)- A 3 hour bespoke workshop with Samira Mian for 1 to 3 people in her Northolt studio. Choose to draw and / or paint an Islamic Geometric pattern of your choice with step by step guidance given along the way. (Suitable for anyone age 14+) All materials and equipment will be provided.  Please note this reward is based in London UK only.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs)

20. Your name in bespoke Arabic calligraphy by Maaida Noor (£250) -  An A5 sized bespoke artwork featuring your name (first name or surname) in Arabic Calligraphy & watercolour.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

21. Professional Portrait Shoot with photographer Wasi Daniju (WAS £250 - NOW £125) - A one and a half hour professional portrait shoot for you and a friend or other loved one with photographer Wasi Daniju. The shoot will be in a location of your choosing in London (UK) and you will receive 5 professionally processed digital images. Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs).  

For examples of Wasi's work please visit:  https://www.wasidaniju.com/portraits

22. An Original Painting by Jeea Mirza (£250)  - An original painting of an archetypal Islamic geometric pattern, inspired by reflections of the holy Kaa'ba and Mecca. Painted using professional watercolours and gilded with 23.75ct gold leaf on the highest quality cotton watercolour paper, size: 30cm x 30m.  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs). 

23. An original painting by Amber Khokhar (£450) - An original painting of a classic geometry study, featuring a 10-fold Islamic geometry pattern. Watercolour on gouache paper. Size approx 500mm x 500mm. Amber is offering this piece at a special reduced rate for Manifesting the Unseen at only £450 (usual price is £800).

24. Your Name in the Stars, bespoke art by Nazira Bibi (£500)- Artist Nazira Bibi has constructed her own constellation alphabet and will produce an exclusive piece for you, featuring your name using 23.5ct gold on Indigo Wasli paper. This bespoke work is offered by the artist at a reduced rate (usual price £800). For £500, you will get a bespoke personalised one off gift with your name (or a chosen name if you choose to gift it) written as a constellation.​ Larger names have letters superimposed in order to fit the 6 star clusters, making this a truly unique piece to own or give.  Perfect as a gift for a wedding or a newborn!  Supporters will also receive the exclusive digital downloads from Sara Choudhrey and Nazira Bibi. (and our eternal thanks and du'ahs)