IWD: Artists In Conversation
As part of our events to mark International Women's Day, we sat down with some of our female artists to talk about art, influence, challenges and confidence.
Which artists have influenced you throughout your life?
Mahrukh Bashir: I have been inspired by a lot of artists - especially great masters from the Islamic world, such as Turkey, Pakistan and Iran. Many of the artists who I have learned from directly have been big inspirations in my work, but I also hugely inspired by their dedication, loyalty and humble attitude, which encompasses their art and life together.
Lieve Oudejans: I had wanted to learn the art of Islamic geometric pattern for quite some time, but it Samira Mian and the many resources that she offers, which made me truly start my journey in Islamic art. I believe that Samira makes this special artform so accessible that even complete beginners can make sense of it and you can draw endless inspiration from how she uses colour in her own art works. And if that isn’t enough, she is also just a lovely and kind person who is always willing to give advice or just to have a chat. I have always believed that art is something to share and Samira inspires me to do the same.
Siddiqa Juma: I am inspired by so many artists. From Mondrian to Georgia O'Keefe, Dali and others - the list really would be too long to mention everyone here by name. In terms of Islamic artists, I love the works of Samir Malik, Margi Lake, Zeynep Elci and there is a resurgence of female artists in Iran whose works are completely out of this world. I often feel like an imposter in the world of art when I think of these incredible artists.
Raanaz Shahid: My Mother, who I believe is a true artist, but also the incredible Maaida Noor.
Nadia Djavanshir: It's difficult to limit myself to a few artists but Monet was my introduction to the beauty of art. I was mesmerized by his shimmering paintings in Musée d’Orsay, Paris. As I discovered more artists and my tastes expanded I was inspired by more abstract styles such as the romantic and minimalist marks of Cy Twombly. Contemporary female artists that inspire me are Bobby Burgers and Jessica Zoob. On the other hand illuminated Islamic manuscripts and Indo-Persian miniatures painted in traditional techniques also have a huge influence on me.
How have they impacted your life?
Lieve Oudejans: I always try and facilitate tutorials for people who request them on social media, even if I'm in the middle of something completely different. Samira has shared how to deal with that on her platform and it has really made me think over my own reaction in these situations. And even though this is a social media example, this also happens in real life and it gives me strength to know I am not the only one who experiences these situations.
Siddiqa Juma: I have previously spoken about a visual database of everyday things that inspire me in my work. In the same way, I am drawn to different things by different artists. For example, I love the simple use of bold colour in some of modernist works by Mondrian, and I have tried to introduce similar themes into some of my digital works; I love the surrealist nature of work by Salvador Dali and his ability to turn perspective and reality on its head; and then there is Samir Malik, who really forced me to consider a real career in art, which was not something I had ever considered before. Prior to meeting him, art was simply a personal outlet for me through some difficult moments I had gone through in my life.
Nadia Djavanshir: I think the main influence has been the power of colour and how it can make you feel. I tend towards more softer, romantic works but they can be dramatic too. I also love the philosophies of traditional Islamic art and the ideas of incorporating nature and spirituality into my work, something that I am exploring more deeply now.
Mahrukh Bashir: Learning from various masters and meeting them has had a tremendous impact in my life. I inspire to follow their teachings. Most of these masters, such as Hassan Celebi, who in my opinion is one of the greatest living calligrapher's today, and others are so humble. Some of the most talented people I know, also tend to be the most humble and down-to-earth.
Raanaz Shahid: My mum is one of the most amazing people I know. Her will power, strength and integrity has been the biggest influence in my life. She never lets anything knock her down, I've seen her and my Dad go through some of the toughest moments, over the years but they both bounce right back. My mum is a diabetic, she has been for years but never missed a fast in Ramadan, no matter how much she struggles through it, there are times she's can't stand, and we tell her to break her fast or not to fast, but she will never complain and hardly give me any indication that she's not feeling well. Her answer to me is always 'yes I'm absolutely fine'. I just think of my Mum and keep going as long as I can. If it wasn't for my Mum and Dad I would've be where I am right now. They give me all the confidence I need Alhamdulilah, I'm so grateful for everything because of them.
Maaida has also been a great inspiration to me, I've known her for a number of years now, and we've become really good friends over that time. We've shared many art classes and art trips together, we've been roomies many times. We've shared many adventures. She's a wonderful spirit, her talents and skills are just amazing and watching her work develop has been a great inspiration, she always gives me a good motivation boost when I need it.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman? And have you ever had someone label you as something you are not?
Nadia Djavanshir: I think as an Asian woman I have faced challenges that perhaps I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I was limited in my choices of study and also where I could work. To travel for study was not really an option. Now that I am married and a mother and I have responsibilities which mean that I put my children first. I wouldn’t consider a month-long residency for example as I couldn’t be away from my young children for that long. Being a mother is an intense experience, we feel deep love, immeasurable happiness but also an intense worry for our children. This intensity of emotion can also transfer to canvas. My children have taught me to rediscover the world through fresh, innocent, playful eyes and this has also impacted my work.
Lieve Oudejans: Having been born and raised in the Netherlands, I am very conscious of how fortunate I am and how I do not have to endure some of the challenges that many women in other countries and cultures have to go through on a daily basis. However, the assumption that women are less smart, less capable or just generally less than men, is something that unfortunately common to all societies. When I notice this, I do my best to make people around me aware of it, but it is a challenge to make everyone understand that you are advocating for equality. Instead, you are labelled as someone who is just angry at men. Something I struggle with even more, though, is women who ask “Why are you a feminist?”. To them I reply: “Why are you not?”
Raanaz Shahid: I'll be honest I don't believe I haven't struggled that much as my husband and family have thankfully always been so supportive throughout my entire art career. My husband completely supports my solo travel trips for both my personal and professional development. If anything, the pandemic is what has made it challenging. I'm an artist so my artwork is what relaxes me, that's my 'zen' time. But my children are also my everything so making sure they don't fall behind, I'm doing all their remote lessons with them and extra. My husband is in meetings all day (working from home), so I have to do it all. (Apart from Maths, my weakness, that's my husband's area). There's no choice but to put my artwork on hold for now. Having said all that, my husband is very hands on with everything at home.
Sandy Kurt: Of course I have but I am fully conscious that my situation is still almost 100% better than many other women in the world. I think that the biggest effort was my parents’. They had to trust me, accept the fact that I have to travel alone because of my art; because I can’t always bring someone with me and also because I want to travel alone and be independent. But I do understand their concern as parents because I myself do not really know how comfortable leaving my child to travel alone in today's world. But on the whole, I really can’t complain. At the end of the day, I’m living the life I choose to live and I’m fully aware of the possibilities that I have and that many other women around the world unfortunately can’t even dream of.
Siddiqa Juma: There is undoubtedly unconscious bias towards women in all areas of life and I would dare say that I have been on the receiving end of discrimination, whether it was conscious or not. I was Britain's first female Muslim publisher - and I had my fair share of challenges when setting up that business. But I also believe that it has been a greater struggle to establish myself as a credible, professional female artist than for some of my male peers. The starting point is often "oh, she's just another housewife with a hobby," but it isn't until people actually start talking to me that they realise what I do transcends a casual pastime. I have raised 4 daughters of my own and one thing I am most proud of is that each of them has a very strong sense of identity and none of them are scared to speak out against injustice. I very much feel that things are changing, but I am also cognisant of the fact that there is a still a very long way to go.
