‘Oneness,’ Ceramic and Mixed Media Installation based on the 99 Names of Allah

‘Oneness,’ Ceramic and mixed media installation by Shahida Ahmed / Courtesy of the Artist

Shahida Ahmed is renowned as the first British female Muslim Ceramic Artist in the UK and has won many awards and recognition for her work.

‘Oneness’ is based on the 99 names of Allah and the 7 heavens. The cubes with Kufic script create a universal message or code to the audience. The circular composition relates with everything that surrounds us. The 99 Allah’s names are attributes to Allah’s Oneness, the attributes we should be aware and should build our character on the outside, while the truth of our inner self is always unknown, just like the inside of the cube.

Clay, wooden cubes in varying sizes, heavy in form and in their monochrome glaze, this huge installation exquisitely juxtaposes the contemporary approach to illuminate ancient and eternal message. The form of the cube relates to the form of Kaaba. In the precise formation of the cubes one is drawn through each layer of beauty to a point of singular transcendent completeness. "I continue to be inspired by simplicity and the beauty and perfection of geometry," Shahida told us.

The design of the Kufic script to this piece has been contributed by calligraphy artist Sabah Arbilli.

‘Oneness,’ Ceramic and mixed media installation by Shahida Ahmed / Courtesy of the Artist

Shahida’s work is a showcase of inexpressible beauty of ceramic art, evident in the use of techniques, forms, ornaments and the themes. ‘My culture, faith and growing up in the West made me question a lot of things,’ Shahida explained.

But it is the meaning, the deeper connection that is evident in Shahida’s artistry that connects with people from all cultures, and is best expressed by the artist herself: "Every piece of clay has its own characteristics, just like humanity. I don’t create art for appreciation. I just do it; it is what I believe in strongly. Art is not just about beauty, for me it is a dialogue and about meaning. It is up o the audience to connect and engage with each piece."