Calligraphy, Painting, Islamic Art, Fine Art
Influenced by her British and Pakistani heritage artist Maaida Noor seeks to portray and evoke a positive feeling, whilst drawing from influences integral to her.
Distraction by Maaida Noor (c)
Maaida mostly uses verses of the Islamic scripture to help convey a true and affirmative message in her work in order to relate to and help question the viewer into considering their own thoughts and understandings. In particular, Noor looks to the artistry of calligraphy as one of the main mediums of the religious expression of the message of Allah. This inspiration stems from her interest in the rich heritage of Islamic calligraphy, which has the power to symbolise the beauty and power of Islam, and is also a reflection of the cultural values of the Muslim World.
Yahayyu by Maaida Noor (c)
Her aim is to “invite contemplation and engage the viewer by identifying concerns about humanity, hope and our destiny and thus, by posing these questions; encourage dialogue with the work.” Noor believes her messages of peace and positivity have “deep rooted meanings that we can all relate to as humans”. Noor works with various mediums including watercolour enjoying the versatility of it and the ability to introduce and combine a wide spectrum of colours; with Noor attributing the use of colours to “create light where there is darkness in the heart, mind and soul of the viewer”. Noor’s work draws upon something unexplained beyond human experience, sometimes that of nostalgia and the fading or disintegration of material things.
All Knowing by Maaida Noor (c)
Maaida Noor has exhibited for HRH Crown Prince of Malaysia, HRH Prince Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan and HRH Princess Badiyah of Jordan; Candida Arts Centre in Islington, London as part of ‘WomenArTogether’ exhibition; and presented a collaboration as part of the Britpak exhibition at Southbank Centre.
Burden by Maaida Noor (c)
She has featured in The Express Tribune ‘A Mecca for art in London’; the Weekly Zaman titled ‘The changing face of modern calligraphy’; Emel magazine, July 2012 edition; IMOW (International Museum of Women) website in Muslim Women’s Art and Voices ‘Humanity, Hope, Destiny, Maaida Noor’s paintings on connection, power, and change’; and in the BBC documentary ‘The Hidden Art of Islam’.
The Spirit by Maaida Noor (c)
All images (c) Maaida Noor
