We are closing our residency at Guest Projects with a Mehfil - a gathering of kindred spirits, coming together for an evening of music, poetry and entertainment to fill their lives with pleasure and beauty.

Please join us for Mehfil-e-Manifesting the Unseen - on 15th December, from 6:30pm for a night of art, poetry and celebration. 

As well as your final chance to see the exhibition you will have the pleasure of hearing from 10 amazing Muslim Women poets, commissioned to create new work that responds to or is inspired by a piece of art by each one of our exhibiting artists. Each poet will also be performing some of their own work on the night. 

Please note that this event is FREE. To manage numbers we are charging a £10 deposit to reserve your place; those who attend will be refunded the £10 fee (unless you are able to donate it towards covering our costs). Manifesting the Unseen has been able to provide our events for free thanks to a grant from the Arts Council and the generous supporters of our crowdfunding campaign (thank you all for supporting us).

We have also produced a (very!) gorgeous and limited edition exhibition special publication that features all the commissioned poetry and corresponding artworks. The book will be available to purchase on the night for £25. It will also be available for pre-order at the discounted price of £20; donating £20 when purchasing your ticket will reserve you a copy! Only 15 discounted copies available so don’t miss out.

Food and drinks will also be available to buy on the night. 

The night will be hosted by the wonderful Najwa Umran (Female Muslim Creatives) and will feature Amaal Said, Muneera Pilgrim, Sukina Pilgrim, Oshanti Ahmed, Amina Jama, Nazia Mirza, Rakaya Esime, Aliyah Hasinah, Saraiyah Bah and Suhaiymah Manzoor Khan. 

We look forward to a beautiful night, and can’t wait to see you there.

Booking via Eventbrite

For more about poets and their bios please click here.

Najwa Umran - Our event is being hosted by the wonderful Najwa Umran (FMC). Najwa is a 20 year old Eritrean-British poet and creative from London. Umran directs arts organisation Female Muslim Creatives which seeks to support muslim women artists. Away from this, Umran is passionate about all things self love and helping people actualise their creative goals. For more about our host, Najwa Umran, please click here.

*We hope to seat everyone but space is limited and we would rather you get in than not. This may mean you might not get a seat but feel free to bring a cushion with you.

**This event was co-produced by one of our fabulous artists - Shaheen Kasmani

Although calligraphy as an artform is not unique to Islamic Art, the extent & variety of its use, alongside how it shaped Islamic concepts of beauty, results in it being a uniquely original feature of Islamic Art. It is considered by Muslims to be the highest form of Islamic art as it is a visible representation of the word of God.

In this FREE taster class, with artist Maaida Noor, you will be introduced to the tools used by calligraphers, learn about and practice how letters are formed and explore the history of the art form.

This is a beginners workshop (suitable for ages 16+). Equipment and supplies will be provided. Places are limited, please register via Eventbrite

Please note that in addition to the free workshops provided by Manifesting the Unseen we are also hosting some paid for workshops led by our artists.

Islamic illumination includes a lot of elements including flowers and this is a two-hour evening workshop to introduce you to Persian flowers in their various forms. You will be able to paint a small Persian flower with gouache gold and other colours to take home with you.

This is a great opportunity to make a beautiful and sparkly handmade card for the winter occasions.

Buy Your Ticket Now

This workshop will help you: 

• Understand the elements of natural/biomorphic Islamic patterns (referred to as Khatei in some cases).

• Learn about the traditional painting process of a Persian flower and paint your own with gouache gold, outline it with black ink and paint the background.

Duration: Two hours.

Time

7pm to 9pm.

Price £18

**Designs and supplies will be provided, but please bring your own brushes (Brush size zero and Brush size 3 zeros). 

Only 10 places available. 

*No previous art experience required* 

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

Buy Your Ticket Now

Please note that in addition to the free workshops provided by Manifesting the Unseen we are also hosting some paid for workshops led by our artists.

Participants learn to draw a range of Islamic Geometric patterns in the morning and then transfer one or more patterns to watercolour paper to paint in the afternoon and carry on at home.  All are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

We draw layers of lines and circles step by step using a compass and straight edge to create a complex underlying grid from which a beautiful pattern will emerge. We outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.  PDF guides are  emailed to every participant in advance of the workshop, so that you may view on a device through the workshop or print off too, these are then be used to continue working on patterns independently at home.​

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise. 

Buy Your Ticket Now

Price: £44

Join artist, Sara Choudhrey, for a guided tour of the Manifesting the Unseen exhibition and receive an insider’s perspective on the artworks displayed. The tour will offer an introduction to the three major disciplines that underpin Islamic art, (calligraphy, geometry and islimi) and a chance to learn about the techniques used by the artists in their work.

Artwork image: Al Jaqmaqiyya, 2018 © Sara Choudhrey

Places are limited, please book via Eventbrite

Please note that in addition to the free workshops provided by Manifesting the Unseen we are also hosting some paid for workshops led by our artists. 

Participants learn to draw a range of Islamic Geometric patterns in the morning and then transfer one or more patterns to watercolour paper to paint in the afternoon and carry on at home.  All are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

We draw layers of lines and circles step by step using a compass and straight edge to create a complex underlying grid from which a beautiful pattern will emerge. We outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.  PDF guides are  emailed to every participant in advance of the workshop, so that you may view on a device through the workshop or print off too, these are then be used to continue working on patterns independently at home.​

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise

Buy Your Ticket Now

Price: £44

Although calligraphy as an artform is not unique to Islamic Art, the extent & variety of its use, alongside how it shaped Islamic concepts of beauty, results in it being a uniquely original feature of Islamic Art. It is considered by Muslims to be the highest form of Islamic art as it is a visible representation of the word of God.

In this FREE taster class, with artist Maaida Noor, you will be introduced to the tools used by calligraphers, learn about and practice how letters are formed and explore the history of the art form.

This is a beginners workshop (suitable for ages 16+). Equipment and supplies will be provided. Limited places, register via Eventbrite

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

Discover a practising artist’s personal journey to Islamic Art. Following a guided tour of Manifesting the Unseen, artist Amber Khokhar will introduce you to a ‘Traditionalists’ approach to art. Join her to explore the inspirations, intentions and practices that have guided the arts, crafts and design of the Islamic world.

About Amber Khokhar - Amber is an artist and MA tutor at The Princes School of Traditional Art. An alumni from Central Saint Martins Amber has exhibited paintings at Buckingham Palace London, Queen's Museum New York, Islamic Art Museum, Malaysia. She has designed a 40m carpet for HM The Queen and is currently designing a set of 10 stain glass windows for his HRH Prince Charles. A lecturer on The World Art and Artefacts Programme at Birkbeck College she advises and devises art based courses nationally and internationally. From her studio in London Amber continues to explore cultural identity and diasporas alongside bespoke commissions.

Please book via Eventbrite

The panel will discuss the themes and ideas behind Manifesting the Unseen in an event chaired by Dr Lisa DeLong, Outreach Programme Manager at the Prince’s Foundation - School of Traditional Arts. Examining how the works featured engage with the themes of science, spirituality, culture and identity and between what is outwardly manifest and inwardly hidden.

Please book via Eventbrite.

This free workshop has been reserved for a school

In this free workshop you will learn to construct an Islamic Geometric pattern. Starting with a plain piece of paper, step by step we will draw layers of lines and circles using a compass and straight edge. From this underlying grid a pattern will emerge. We will outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.

The workshop is for ages 14+, all are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

In this FREE workshop you will learn to construct an Islamic Geometric pattern. Starting with a plain piece of paper, step by step you will draw layers of lines and circles using a compass and straight edge. From this underlying grid a pattern will emerge. You will outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.

The workshop is for ages 14+, all are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

Limited Places - bookings via Eventbrite

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

This free workshop has been reserved for a school

In this free workshop you will learn to construct an Islamic Geometric pattern. Starting with a plain piece of paper, step by step we will draw layers of lines and circles using a compass and straight edge. From this underlying grid a pattern will emerge. We will outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.

The workshop is for ages 14+, all are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

This free workshop has been reserved for a school.

In the workshop you will learn to construct an Islamic Geometric pattern. Starting with a plain piece of paper, step by step we will draw layers of lines and circles using a compass and straight edge. From this underlying grid a pattern will emerge. We will outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.

The workshop is for ages 14+, all are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the class, visitors will be asked to be mindful of noise.

In this FREE three-hour Islamic illumination tester session, you will learn a brief history of Islamic illuminations and learn the basic techniques of this beautiful type of Islamic art. You will complete a small illumination with gouache gold, outline it with black ink and paint a background to take your new piece of work home.

Workshop time: 2pm-5pm

This is a beginners workshop (suitable for ages 16+). Designs and supplies will be provided. Limited places, register via Eventbrite

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

Join artist, Sara Choudhrey, for a guided tour of the Manifesting the Unseen exhibition and receive an insider’s perspective on the artworks displayed. The tour will offer an introduction to the three major disciplines that underpin Islamic art, (calligraphy, geometry and islimi) and a chance to learn about the techniques used by the artists in their work.

Artwork image: Al Jaqmaqiyya, 2018 © Sara Choudhrey

Places are limited, please book via Eventbrite

Please note that in addition to the free workshops provided by Manifesting the Unseen we are also hosting some paid for workshops led by our artists. 

Participants learn to draw a range of Islamic Geometric patterns in the morning and then transfer one or more patterns to watercolour paper to paint in the afternoon and carry on at home.  All are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

We draw layers of lines and circles step by step using a compass and straight edge to create a complex underlying grid from which a beautiful pattern will emerge. We outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.  PDF guides are  emailed to every participant in advance of the workshop, so that you may view on a device through the workshop or print off too, these are then be used to continue working on patterns independently at home.​

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

Buy Your Ticket Now

Price: £44

Between the World & the Divine: Straddling the sacred and worldly, Sufi poetry has long engaged with concerns of the day as well as of eternity and beyond. Dr. Singh outlines an overview of some of the major poets, their historical, political, cultural and religious contexts, highlighting shared concerns, motifs, ideas and ideals as well as their location within Islamic literary, theological and philosophical traditions. With reference to key writings by a range of poets over time and place, she offers informed, culturally grounded, complex ways to consider Sufi writings. 

About Dr Singh - SUNNY SINGH, was born in Varanasi, India, and brought up in various Indian cantonment towns, Islamabad, Pakistan and New York City, USA. She studied at Brandeis University (USA), Jawaharlal Nehru University (India), and University of Barcelona (Spain). She has worked as a journalist and management executive in Mexico, Chile, and South Africa. She is the author of five critically acclaimed books, including three novels. In 2016, she co-founded the Jhalak Prize for the Book of the Year by a Writer of Colour.  Currently, she teaches Creative Writing and English Literature at the London Metropolitan University (UK).

Please join us for this free event by registering via Eventbrite

This free workshop has been reserved for a school

In this free workshop you will learn to construct an Islamic Geometric pattern. Starting with a plain piece of paper, step by step we will draw layers of lines and circles using a compass and straight edge. From this underlying grid a pattern will emerge. We will outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.

The workshop is for ages 14+, all are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

This free workshop has been reserved for a school

In this free workshop you will learn to construct an Islamic Geometric pattern. Starting with a plain piece of paper, step by step we will draw layers of lines and circles using a compass and straight edge. From this underlying grid a pattern will emerge. We will outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.

The workshop is for ages 14+, all are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

This free workshop has been reserved for a school

In this free workshop you will learn to construct an Islamic Geometric pattern. Starting with a plain piece of paper, step by step we will draw layers of lines and circles using a compass and straight edge. From this underlying grid a pattern will emerge. We will outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.

The workshop is for ages 14+, all are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

Muslim and Jewish women invite women from our faiths and others to a an evening of Islamic Art and conversation.

Manifesting the Unseen is hosting a special event with Nisa-Nashim Marylebone (the Jewish-Muslim women's group based at West London Synagogue) and we are invited our members, fellow Muslim & Jewish women and women of other faiths and beliefs to a special evening of Islamic Art.

The curator, Nazia Mirza, has been a member of the West London Muslim & Jewish Woman’s dialogue group since its inception and is delighted to invite the group to come and see the exhibition and hear a talk from one of the featured artists, Amber Khokhar, on her personal engagement with Islamic art.

About Amber Khokhar - Amber is an artist and MA tutor at The Princes School of Traditional Art.  An alumni from Central Saint Martins Amber has exhibited paintings at Buckingham Palace London, Queen's Museum New York, Islamic Art Museum, Malaysia.  She has designed a 40m carpet for HM The Queen and is currently designing a set of 10 stain glass windows for his HRH Prince Charles.  A lecturer on The World Art and Artefacts Programme at Birkbeck College she advises and devises art based courses nationally and internationally.  From her studio in London Amber continues to explore cultural identity and diasporas alongside bespoke commissions. 

Please arrive from 6:30pm. The talk will being at 7pm and we will share refreshments after. 

Please RSVP if you would like to attend via Eventbrite

Please note that in addition to the free workshops provided by Manifesting the Unseen we are also hosting some paid for workshops led by our artists.

The art of Islamic illumination was founded to decorate the Quran in a way that brings light around the word of God. 

In this workshop, you will learn to draw and traditionally paint some of elements of old illuminated Qurans such as the frontal piece or the decorative elements in the margins known as Heliah حلية in Arabic.

BUY YOUR TICKET NOW

This workshop will help you: 

• Understand the elements of natural/biomorphic Islamic patterns (referred to as Arabesque in some cases).

• Draw the pattern step by step.

• Learn about the traditional painting process and paint your own pattern with gouache gold, outline it with black ink and paint the background.

The aims of this workshop are:

• To understand the basics of Islamic illuminations.

• To finish (or almost finish) a painting to take home.

Duration: One Day.

Time
Monday 11:00 - 17:00 (including 40-60mins lunch break)

PRICE £48

**Designs and supplies will be provided, but please bring your own brushes (Brush size zero and Brush size 3 zeros). 

Only 10 places available. 

*No previous art experience required* 

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

BUY YOUR TICKET NOW

Please note that in addition to the free workshops provided by Manifesting the Unseen we are also hosting some paid for workshops led by our artists.

Participants learn to draw a range of Islamic Geometric patterns in the morning and then transfer one or more patterns to watercolour paper to paint in the afternoon and carry on at home.  All are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

We draw layers of lines and circles step by step using a compass and straight edge to create a complex underlying grid from which a beautiful pattern will emerge. We outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.  PDF guides are  emailed to every participant in advance of the workshop, so that you may view on a device through the workshop or print off too, these are then be used to continue working on patterns independently at home.​

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

Buy Your Ticket Now

Price: £44

In this FREE workshop you will learn to construct an Islamic Geometric pattern. Starting with a plain piece of paper, step by step you will draw layers of lines and circles using a compass and straight edge. From this underlying grid a pattern will emerge. You will outline, trace and transfer the pattern to watercolour paper, to be decorated using watercolour pencils & paints.

The workshop is for ages 14+, all are welcome, no experience is needed and all resources & materials are provided.

Limited Places - bookings via Eventbrite

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.

In this FREE half day Islamic illumination tester session, you will learn a brief history of Islamic illuminations and learn the basic techniques of this beautiful type of Islamic art. You will complete a small illumination with gouache gold, outline it with black ink and paint a background to take your new piece of work home.

This is a beginners workshop (suitable for ages 16+). Designs and supplies will be provided. Limited places, register via Eventbrite.

Please note that the exhibition will remain open to the public during the workshop, although visitors are asked to be mindful of noise.