A practical workshop introducing learners to Islamic patterns is set to take place at Gallery Oldham this month, followed by one on Moroccan Geometric Patterns in May.
The workshops will show participants the history and symbolism of the intricate patterns and geometry.
Participants will then construct their own geometric patterns – from Sultan Baybars’ seven-volume Qur’an on April 16, and tile designs from the Bou Inania Madrasa, in Fes, Morocco, on May 14.
The event is being held to compliment one of Gallery Oldham’s current exhibitions – Zarah Hussain’s Light Upon Light.
Interested students of all levels and experience are welcome to the event, with materials provided to participants – though you must be aged 18 or over to participate in the class.
Tickets to the two-hour workshops cost £15 and are available online through Eventbrite.
Organisers highly recommend that participants visit the Zarah Hussain exhibition, which runs until 14 May, prior to taking part in the workshops.
The workshops are being taught by Manchester-based artist Sumrina, who trained at the same school as Zarah – The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, in London.
Sumrina was inspired to teach the art after seeing the mosaics on holiday.
She said: “Nowhere else was teaching it – I used to look everywhere.
“I’d been on holiday, and you’d see on the beautiful mosaics and the designs and it was a real interest.
“When I came across the Prince’s School, I had to go for it.
“I find the practise very meditative and very calming – it’s very relaxing, it’s very absorbent.
“I wanted to be able to practise something that would bring me peace of mind. It’s very mindful, the art form itself.”
Born in Macclesfield in 1980, Zarah Hussain is now a London-based contemporary artist.
She combines digital art with her rigorous training in traditional hand-drawn Islamic geometry to create her works.
Those looking to take up the art as a profession after the course may wish to heed some of Zarah’s words:
“Working full-time as an artist is not always easy.
“Most practising artists I know have other side-lines, such as teaching or other part-time work.
“Once I had graduated, I carried on working in the media, in some ways it was the perfect complementary career as it is freelance and you can choose when you want to work.”
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