EXHIBITION AT THE ISLAMIC MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA Intricate Papercutting Art by Tusif Ahmad

Bismillah series by Tusif Ahmad / Courtesy of the Islamic Museum of Australia and the artist

Through his Bismillah series, Tusif Ahmad employs his signature devotional papercutting to create intricate, dreamlike worlds laden with spiritual symbology.

Islamic Museum of Australia General Manager Ali Fahour said the Museum welcomes the opportunity to highlight more of Ahmad’s work. “Tusif Ahmad’s piece, The Doors of Heaven, is one of the most-loved works in the Museum. Our visitors are constantly in awe of both the beauty and the detail, so we’re very excited to showcase more of his work.” said Mr Fahour.

Bismillah series by Tusif Ahmad / Courtesy of the Islamic Museum of Australia and the artist

One of the features of papercutting is that each section of the work is cut from a single sheet of paper, which remains intact while the artist works within a binary of removing either positive or negative space.

IMA Head Curator Jake Carter said papercutting is a traditional folk art employed around the globe. “The investigative urge to manipulate the page beyond the surface is common to a diverse range of countries including China, Germany, Poland and Mexico,” said Mr Carter.

While the artist has exhibited in Western Australia, Pakistan and throughout the Middle East, he said 'Bismillah' is his first solo exhibition at the Museum.

“I’m pleased to be exhibiting at the Islamic Museum of Australia. I add Islamic traditions including Arabic calligraphy to my works, so it is fitting they should be displayed at the Islamic Museum,” said Mr Ahmad.

Bismillah series by Tusif Ahmad / Courtesy of the Islamic Museum of Australia and the artist

'Bismillah' is on display until 16 February 2019 and selected works are available for purchase