top of page
Hafsa, Murtaza, Islamic Identity; A Weave of Cultures (Display).jpg

The Islamic Identity: A Weave of Cultures
Hafsa Murtaza

Screenprint on chiyogami and marbled papers
NFS

The Islamic Identity: A Weave of Cultures is a series of screen-printed self-portraits resembling Mughal manuscript paintings. The prints reflect an Islamic way of viewing, using framing devices rather than a Western linear perspective to give importance to a subject. The figure is wearing a Palestinian-style bridal headdress made of Indian silk brocade. She wears a Pakistani formal gown with mango butti motifs. Ottoman Turkish designs of stylistic flowers stem from a single base that frames the figure. The patterned paper has Indian block print and marbled patterns or Japanese chiyogami designs. The intersections of cultural textiles and symbols embedded in this contemporary manuscript painting reflect how the Islamic Identity is unrestricted by geographical or cultural borders.

Hafsa Murtaza is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, attending the Art and Art History program offered jointly with Sheridan College. She explores traditional painting and print media alongside unconventional watercolour monoprints, textile-based work and the use of natural materials. Hafsa bases her work on Islamic philosophy, manifesting Islamic ideologies in her practice

  • Instagram
bottom of page