GROUP EXHIBITION AT THEMUSEUM (SEP 29, 2018 - FEB 10, 2019) Connections & Context: 4 Artists Explore Islamic Influences and Traditions

For the third consecutive year, THEMUSEUM is partnering with The Coalition of Muslim Women of KW (CMW-KW) to present an exhibition that explores Islamic influences and traditions.

Islamic art is often associated with calligraphy, complex geometric patterns, intricate arabesque designs and miniature paintings. These recognizable Islamic art forms operate as stereotypes that can limit an understanding of contemporary art practices.

”Artists Soheila Esfahani, Mélika Hashemi, Jamelie Hassan and Sumaira Tazeen will demonstrate what it means to be a contemporary artist of Islamic background in Canada,” said Laurel McKellar, Senior Director, Curation, Exhibitions & Program Development at THEMUSEUM. “Their artwork pushes traditional boundaries by focusing on cultural identification and socio-political issues.”

This exhibition brings together emerging and established artists who were born in Canada or immigrated to the country from Iran and Pakistan. October has been proclaimed as Islamic History month by Canadian Parliament and Islamic Heritage month by the Parliament of Ontario. October is also Women’s History month in Canada. This exhibition is generously supported by Zabiha Halal, Sargent Farms and WalterFedy.

Soheila Esfahani, Soheila Esfahani, The Vagireh Pattern, 2010 / Courtesy of THEMUSEUM

Mélika Hashemi, titles from L-R – Seated Sima, Greeter Golnar, and Gardiner Golbanu, 2018 / Courtesy of THEMUSEUM

Jamelie Hassan, Poppy Cover (for Holy Roller), 2010 / Courtesy of THEMUSEUM

Sumaira Tazeen, Sumaira Tazeen, Sabz Bagh IV, Recreated 2018 / Courtesy of THEMUSEUM

Connections & Contexts: Islamic Influences and Traditions will run until February 10, 2019.