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Leicester exhibition celebrates Muslim female art

Ria Siddiqui Shazia OsmanRia Siddiqui
The exhibition is believed to be the first of its kind in the city

An art exhibition dedicated to the work of emerging Muslim female artists has been launched in Leicester city centre.

The In Praise exhibition features 10 artists and aims to showcase a wide range of contemporary Islamic art.

Organisers said the work being exhibited ranges from Arabic calligraphy to Islamic geometry, and includes embroidery, textiles and abstract styles.

The display will run at Belvoir Art Gallery until Saturday.

In Praise One of the worksIn Praise
The exhibition will feature a wide range of Islamic art
Ria Siddiqui Muslim artistsRia Siddiqui
Curator Shazia Osman said some of the artists faced barriers in their careers

In Praise was the idea of Leicester artist and curator Shazia Osman.

She said she had chosen some of the artists because they faced barriers in accessing and furthering their careers.

In Praise One of the worksIn Praise
The aim of the exhibition is to raise awareness of contemporary Islamic art
Ria Siddiqui Artist with her workRia Siddiqui
The artwork includes Arabic calligraphy, embroidery and textiles

She said: "My aim was to bring awareness and appreciation of contemporary Islamic art to the Leicester art scene, whilst representing the women who create it."

She added she believed the exhibition was the first of its kind in the city dedicated to art by Muslim women artists.

"My vision is to break down barriers and normalise the celebration of such artists and their work by allowing them to access different audiences," she added.

"Is it also to provide a space where the general public can engage with traditional and contemporary Islamic art, allowing them to learn more about this rich cultural form of expression."

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