Paper cutting calligraphy showcased

Islamabad : To show case the art work of Pakistani Australian artist, Tusif Ahmad, the high commissioner of Australia, Margaret Adamson and spouse Marek Krol hosted a reception. The event was held at the hosts residence and attend by art aficionados both local and from the diplomatic community.

Welcoming her guests, the high commissioner said the exhibition was a continuation of the cultural exchange between Pakistan and Australia and it was a pleasure to introduce the artist and his work after his successful showing at the Comsats Art Gallery. Adding a few complimentary words about the artists work, she introduced him and handed over the mike.

The artist thanked the high commissioner for her kind words and for arranging the event, explaining that there were only three pieces on display as they were part of a series he was working on for his next exhibition, which is based on the surah, ‘Ar Rehman,’ which he will finish next year. He concluded by thanking everyone for attending the reception and appreciating his work.

Of the three works on display the black and white calligraphy was the most admired, though each of them was highly appreciated for their intricate and delicate pattern that incorporated an ‘ayat’ (verse) of surah Rehman. “He must have a lot of patience and an eye for detail,” said a guest. “I am in awe!”

To give guests a more detailed perspective of the artist’s expertise, a slide screening was continuously showcasing his works of art, which made up for the fact that only three were on display – a good idea!

Tusif Ahmad is a man possessing a multitude of skills in various fields. He’s a paper cutting artist, a jewelry designer, software developer and a palmist who has worked in many large companies and has held many exhibitions throughout the world. His art is influenced by the traditional intricate patterns and symbols found in Islamic art. Tusif describes his process as taking a piece of paper, visualising a story and taking away the parts that are not a part of that story. “I have always been creative, and I thought of making shapes and images by cutting paper,” he says. “I started researching the craft and realised that it was popular in China and some other parts of the world. However, I couldn’t see anyone specialising in Islamic paper art, so I decided to try it.”

His interest in art began in his teenage years, where he started creating pieces of art using pen and ink. Throughout his journey around the world, he has experienced and worked with artists of different skills, mindsets and point of view, which has given him a very diverse viewpoint and opinion, which he tries to depict in his artwork. His work represents peace, love, humanity and humility. Love is represented in many forms - a recurring theme in his art. He has seen and experienced different religions and cultures and hopes to represent the common ground of love and peace between those cultures to unite humanity.

Quote from a critic – “The patience required for this kind of artwork is phenomenal and is something not everyone can do. The simplicity, flexibility and the strength of paper allows him to transform the material into beautiful two and three dimensional art forms with a range of expression and that is when the craft of building and forming merges with the expression of ideas and beliefs.”