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 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.

Please note that the workshop is FREE. As we only have a limited number of places we are charging a £10 deposit to reserve your place; those who attend the class will be refunded the £10 fee. Manifesting the Unseen has been able to provide this workshop for free thanks to a grant from the Arts Council and the generous supporters of our crowdfunding campaign.

About Maaida Noor - Influenced by her British and Pakistani roots award-winning artist Maaida Noor has an interest in the rich heritage of Islamic arts, and the cultural values of the Muslim world. Noor finds this eternal radiance in the architecture of nature and its echo in the ancient arts of bio-morphic patterns (arabesques), calligraphy and sacred geometry. She seeks to combine these universal languages to create work that speaks of peace and unity beyond cultural boundaries. In recognition of her art and its cross-over appeal in both British and Muslim culture Noor was recently announced winner of the 2017 British Muslim Awards in the Arts and Cultural Awareness category. Her art has been displayed in Battersea Power Station, the Three Faiths Forum, various auction houses, and has been acquired by corporate and private collections including members of the Jordanian Royal Family. Noor has also been commissioned by Jo Malone, Molton Brown, AERIN, Estee Lauder and several other prestigious companies in the UK and internationally.

Having obtained a diploma at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, Noor knows how to use traditional methods; however, her appreciation of these historic practices is combined with a desire for self-expression, a love of watercolour as a medium and an acute sense of colour. The result is a mix of ancient disciplines with vivid colours and a modern expressive technique. This integration of verses of Islamic scripture, sacred geometry and biomorphic patterns, and an expressive watercolour medium is unique to Noor.

Booking is via Eventbrite only - if you have any questions please contact info@manifestingtheunseen.com