Islamic papercutting artist Tusif Ahmad has graced the halls of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) with his captivating exhibition, ‘The Guiding Light’.
Showcasing his mastery of the art form, Tusif draws inspiration from Islamic narratives and the Holy Quran to create intricate and mesmerizing pieces.
Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins honored Tusif’s Pakistani Australian heritage by inaugurating the exhibition hosted by the Visual Arts Division. PNCA Director-General M. Ayoub Jamali also attended the ceremony.
Ambassador Hawkins said that he was delighted to open the Australian-Pakistan artist Tusif Ahmad’s exquisite paper-cutting art exhibition. “With over 800,000 Muslims, including 100,000 with Pakistani heritage, calling Australia home, Tusif’s art highlights our rich ties and the diverse tapestry that is Australia,” he said.
“Tusif Ahmad’s art serves as a beacon of cultural understanding and appreciation,” remarked Mr. Hawkins during the inauguration. “Having had the pleasure of encountering his works firsthand, I am truly inspired by his ability to convey the beauty and depth of Islamic art through his intricate paper-cutting designs.”
Tusif Ahmad’s stunning papercutting art exhibit
Renowned papercutting artist Tusif Ahmad showcased the intricate beauty of Islamic art at his exhibition, ‘The Guiding Light’. skillfully intertwining calligraphy and illustrations of Quranic verses and surahs.
Ayuob Jamali, Director General of PNCA, expressed delight at the exhibition’s reception, highlighting Ahmad’s embodiment of cultural exchange and artistic innovation. “We are delighted by the overwhelming response to The Guiding Light exhibition,” Jamali said. “Tusif Ahmad’s work truly embodies the spirit of cultural exchange and artistic innovation, and we are grateful to all who joined us in celebrating his talent and vision.”
The event, featuring Ahmad’s stunning artworks, included an artist talk and workshop on Papercutting Art on April 24, 2024, at PNCA. The exhibition that opened on April 22 will continue until April 28, 2024 (Saturday closed). The gallery will remain open from 10 am to 4 pm.
Tusif Ahmad – the Islamic Papercutting Artist
Tusif Ahmad, acclaimed for his mastery in papercutting art, reveals the beauty of Islamic art through his intricate designs, calligraphy, and illustrations of Quranic verses.
Tusif’s artistic journey began under the guidance of esteemed artist Sadequain, shaping his profound connection to art. His unique approach to paper cutting has garnered international recognition, making him a trailblazer in celebrating Islamic heritage through art.
After earning a degree in computer science, Tusif embarked on a diverse career journey spanning over 20 years, which included ventures in fields ranging from furniture manufacturing in Kuwait to jewelry design in Cyprus. In 2006, he relocated to Australia, where he established his own information technology consulting firm and worked globally as a software developer.
However, it was a seemingly ordinary moment with his five-year-old daughter that sparked Tusif’s unexpected shift in direction. As she expressed boredom one day, Tusif picked up a white piece of paper, folded it, and delicately snipped its corners with a pair of scissors, revealing a stunning sunflower. This simple act ignited Tusif’s passion for paper cutting art, setting him on a remarkable artistic journey.
“One honor that I am particularly proud of is that I am the only papercutting artist in the world that focuses on Islamic stories,” according to Tusif Ahmad. “For the past 12 years, I have created hundreds of art pieces, exhibited in galleries around the world, and won national and international awards”, he added.
Through papercutting art, Ahmad aims to achieve the “wow!” factor by crafting precise, detailed, and unique pieces that captivate viewers, encouraging them to explore the intricacies of the art and prompting discussions about faith and life. Secondly, he aims to create Islamic art to build cross-cultural bridges. “For me, it’s not just about selling a piece of art, it’s about sharing something beautiful, making a connection, and leaving a positive mark on the world.”
Art of Papercutting
Papercutting is an intricate art form where designs are meticulously cut from paper to create delicate and elaborate patterns. Originating in China, the art involves using specialized tools to carefully carve out intricate shapes and motifs. The resulting artworks can range from simple silhouettes to highly detailed compositions, showcasing the artist’s skill and creativity.
Papercutting art is a multi-step and meticulous process. Tusif begins with researching the subject, creatively revealing themes, and ensuring cohesive design. This process can take months. The next step is sketching out designs, lasting weeks to months. Using a single piece of paper without glue, Ahmad’s cutting demands intense focus, with precision crucial for intricate details. Even nearing completion, he starts afresh if any Arabic letter is inaccurately cut.
