Bradford School of Arts & Media Graduation Exhibition

A young and talented sculptor, Shahida Ahmed is exhibiting her work along with Helen Farrar, Wendy Frith, Mandy Maynard, Soumantha Mulliah, Matthanee Nilavongse, Lucy Micallef, Natalie Thornton and Neil Dale.

Shahida Ahmed’s new collection ‘Beyond Stereotypes, Oneness 2011’ shows a British artist trying to create a dialogue with the audience after the events of 9/11. Her faith, inheritance and identity became apparent in shaping her work. A collection is showing the Hijjabs and Kufic Arabic cubes made from clay.

Shahida Ahmed told us: “My knowledge of Islamic arts and travels enhance the subject and allow me to amalgamate decoration with form in the medium of clay. A two year study exploring techniques in clay, forms and subject helped me unraveling my understanding of art and representing how I identify myself and wish for an audience to capture and see that. Throughout the process I came to some conclusions that led to the simplicity of oneness.”

Shahida Ahmed, Kufic Arabic cubes, clay, 2011.

Shahida Ahmed, Hijjab, clay, 2011.

Shahida Ahmed, Hijjab, clay, 2011.

Shahida Ahmed, clay, 2011.

Photos: the courtesy of artist.