Farzana Razzaque

  Farzana is a trained Master Calligrapher, with Ijaza, the authorization to teach, in the Ottoman style, in Thuluth and Naskh scripts. She studied for many years under the strict guidance of Chinese Master Calligrapher Haji Noor Deen. She is also a trained Illumination artist. Her work creates a fusion of calligraphy, illumination, while also drawing inspiration from her upbringing in various parts of the world. Farzana seeks to merge the traditional art and practices of the Islamic worlds with contemporary media, agendas and social issues.  She sees art as a spiritual agent of change and a means to overcome cultural barriers.

  Farzana is inspired by the paradoxical nature of Islamic art, where  infinite possibilities in pattern thrive within perceived constraints, creating a nuanced spiritual and physical balance. She reflects back often to her training in architecture school. Her art tells stories through patterns, and words, within a calculated grid, made with compass, ruler, pencil and paint. The world of Islamic geometry, biomorphic patterns and Arabic calligraphy heavily influence her compositions, recalling the many experiences of  travel around the world.