Mid Pennine Arts art+people+places

A new publication documents this three year, international partnership project.

Araam: Breathing Space was a unique curatorial programme initiated by Shisha in partnership with MPA.  Building on cultural links between the North West of England and Pakistan, the project platformed the work of two exciting, contemporary artists, Halima Cassell and Zarah Hussain, through residencies in Pakistan and the UK and a unique touring exhibition.

Araam was conceived to enable ‘breathing space’ for both artists to research, develop new ideas and experiment with creative disciplines.  Whilst the two artists use very different artistic media, both are inspired by their ancestral heritage, and Islamic influences from pattern and architecture resonate throughout their work.

Halima Cassell works with clay, and more recently with stone and wood.  She produces complex sculptural pieces that fuse together diverse cultural influences from her Asian roots and her fascination with African pattern work, to Islamic architectural geometry.

Zarah Hussain's paintings and technologically advanced light installations are influenced by the profound beauty of Islamic geometry.  Her vibrant paintings in oils and watercolours are a contemporary take on this creative expression.

The exhibition, which launched at MPA and toured to galleries in Manchester, Sale, Leigh and Tameside, included both existing works and work in progress, giving an insight into each artist's creative process.

Shisha ceased to operate in March 2012, as a result of Arts Council cuts.  They will be much missed, but MPA was very glad of the  opportunity to work with them on this fascinating project.

A new publication documenting the project has now been published.  Designed by Reform, and distributed by Cornerhouse Publications, the 80-page softback can be purchased through Amazon.

This richly illustrated publication charts Araam from its inception and development of project partnerships with contemporary art establishments in Pakistan, through to the subsequent artist residency programme, and finally the resulting and much acclaimed exhibition and tour.

You can read more about the process of creating the publication on Reform’s blog.