Islamic calligraphy is worship for artist Shamim Qureshi who is exhibiting her Koranic calligraphy works at Hyderabad’s Salar Jung Museum. Titled Rabbana Quranic Calligraphy, the display at a gallery on the first floor of the Western block comprises 22 handcrafted pieces of ceramic and terracotta pots and vases, and mounted canvases, all with verses in calligraphy.
Mumbai-based Shamim was drawn to art since childhood. In the early 90s, when she did not get admission to JJ School of Arts, she learnt art from a craft teacher in Mumbai and taught herself calligraphy in ‘94. “I used to observe, learn and practise at home,” recalls Shamim. Having carved a niche in the field, the artiste’s speciality is designing Quranic verses on pots and vases. “I give design specifications to a kumhar (potter) and choose a verse or hymn from the Koran, which fits below the vase’s neck like an ornament and gives it an antique look.”
