My practice revolves around the exploration of architecture, culture and religion. My previous projects have focused on architecture, creating detailed works. I explore Islamic buildings, including Mosques, as this is a huge part of my religion and culture. Being fascinated by this, my current body of work focuses on Mosque architecture. I primarily use acrylic on canvas for paintings. Challenging myself through exploring different ideas using Islamic architecture across places and taking an illustrative approach to abstract over the years has been the main idea. Subverting the traditional artistic approach and stepping into the contemporary world through different mediums and ideas. Having previously experimented with colour while painting, I began developing my work through further experimentation in this area.

This project began with a painting of the Badshahi Mosque, which became the starting point for my work. This Mosque is based in Lahore, Pakistan and its Mughal architecture is renowned for its grandeur and intricate details. Using photographs from my visit, I sought to transform this traditional symbol into something contemporary while maintaining a dialogue with its rich heritage. I painted the Mosque in striking colours. The choices of colour used were both deliberate and symbolic which contrasts with the Mosque’s traditional red sandstone. I began to incorporate a cultural element; Pakistani truck art in these paintings. Painting the edges of the canvas, and the Mosque itself in vibrant designs inspired by truck art allowed me to embrace both culture and religion in my work. The interplay between the mosque and truck art creates a layered narrative that bridges the historical and the contemporary, the sacred and the everyday.