Rather than merely celebrating geometric art in Islam or the Middle East, the exhibition, under the name “The Language of Human Consciousness,” tries to put geometric works out of their political, social, cultural, or even geographical settings. Away from its context, the viewer is able to appreciate the art works in itself and as a universal language.

"The way you create your art, whether it be geometry or illumination, I can’t be in a bad mood or not centered. You need to be focused 100 percent and spiritually centered. It’s so time consuming that there is a term when producing the art as a form of “dhekir” and every brush stroke is a form of dhekir and the things I’m creating, sacred geometry and illuminations, are all a reflection of Allah’s creations. There’s a quote from Rumi which is my favorite that says “There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground, there are a thousand ways to go homeagain,” this is another element that speaks to me personally, it’s my connection. That’s the beauty of it."

“I create art that explores themes of spirituality and the ‘sacred’ through the use of historical artistic disciplines. My aim is to educate and raise awareness not only about traditional techniques of art making, which is nearly nonexistent, but also about the beauty of Islam, a side a lot of people don’t know of.” She believes her art makes a difference at a time when “horrible stereotypes” are attached to religion. “I hope through my art I can break down these misconceptions and try to start a positive dialogue. When I talk about the spirituality behind religion it allows people from other cultures and religions to relate to it and find similarities with their own beliefs and practices. I guess I am trying to give people a sense of unity rather than build even more barriers.”

Athr Gallery places itself as an entity beyond being a commercial gallery, but a cultural center that brings together different talents from across the region and globe

The most common and memorable responses are when people are shocked to learn the hidden meaning behind geometry. I get so excited to see people show interest in that aspect of my work because I believe it leads them to view Islamic art not just as a decorative art but also as something that is highly sophisticated and intellectual. I remember there was this one Buddhist American man who I met at the Venice Biennale. He managed to relate my work to his own faith and he saw a lot of similarity between concepts in Islam and Buddhism

Taking its cue from the current Ramadan season, a time of contemplation and spiritual regeneration for Muslims worldwide, ‘Show Of Faith’ offers perspectives, insights and reflections on the essence of faith, both within the precepts and traditions of Islam, and beyond, as a universal source of sanctuary and solace

Athr Gallery head to Doha, Qatar, this month to collaborate with the city’s Katara Cultural Village on ‘Show Of Faith’, a major, multi-media group exhibition on July 11 and running until August 31.

Rhizoma: (Generation in Waiting) -the Saudi Arabian Pavilion at this year’s Venice Bienalle produced by Edge of Arabia and co-curated by Sara Raza - opened on May 30 to critical acclaim. The exhibition features a number of young Saudi artists and, in particular, considers their interest in new-media practices.

The exhibition will show the works of the following artists many of whom are creating new works unique to the exhibition; Abdulkarim Qassem, Abdullah Alothman, Ahaad Alamoudi, Ahmad Angawi, Basmah Felemban, Batool Alshomrani, Dana Awrtani, Eiman Elgibreen, Eyad Maghazil, Heba Abed, Huda Beydoun, Majid Althobaity, Mala’a Al-Amoudi, Mohammad Makki, Nasser Salem, Nora A.Almazrooa, Nouf Alhimiary, Omamah AlSadiq, Ramy Alqthamy, Saeed Salem, Sami Al-Turki, Sarah AbuAbdallah, Sarah Al Abdali, Shaweesh, and YouTube sensations Telfaz 11 and U-Turn.