hidden treasure

Manifesting the Unseen began as a discussion led by exhibition curator and poet Nazia Mirza on the invisibility of marginalised identities in public space and how for many in the West, Islamic art, including the poetic voices of the Muslim world, remains a hidden treasure.

*Curator Nazia Mirza. Photo credit: Esra Alhamal*

who we are

The visual artists in Manifesting the Unseen share an interest in the unifying principles of Islamic art, its origins within the inner realities of divine revelation and its perfect balance of science, art and spirituality. Their work focuses on the essence of things, seeking not to replicate nature but to convey what it represents; revealing what is unseen until nothing remains hidden. The works in Manifesting the Unseen aspire to reflect the infinite nature of Allah; the creation of the pieces becomes an act of devotion for some, and a reflection of faith for others. Through engaging with these themes, viewers are invited to contemplate the idea of oneness and how from unity all diversity emerges.

In 2018, alongside the visual arts, and in keeping with the rich tradition of poetry in the Muslim world, Manifesting the Unseen invited a series of established and emerging women poets to construct a series of ekphrastic poems inspired by the artworks in their London show. These poems were later performed at a Mehfil (recital) as one of a series of events offered as part of the exhibition.

Art for all

We believe that the arts should be for everyone, and not just for those who can afford them; and our aim is to provide as much as we can for free to our audiences.

Since 2018, with generous support from The Arts Council of England, Guest Projects, and all those who contributed to our 2018 crowdfunding campaign, we have:

Brought together an international group of Muslim women visual artists and an equally diverse group of Muslim women poets
Provided free exhibitions on contemporary Islamic art; and supported Muslim women artists and poets in creating new work and developing their skills
Provided free workshops on Islamic geometry, illumination and calligraphy – giving people the chance to learn about and create their own Islamic art
Provided a series of events exploring the history & traditions of Islamic art and the poetry of the Muslim world

Click on the images below to learn more about our exhibitions

MANIFESTING THE UNSEEN: SOUTHAMPTON 2021