The Srijoni exhibition opens at the Arts Centre Washington on the 18th May 2021, displaying the art of accomplished North East artist, Padma Rao and Sunderland University Fine Art graduate, Roohia Syed-Ahmed. The exhibition will celebrate their collaborative work in calligraphy, contemporary drawing and texts, exploring notions of cultural entitlement, belonging and sense of place for Muslim women.

In conversation with artist Roohia, who delivered workshops in Arabic Calligraphy to the Srijoni women's peer support group based in South Tyneside (facilitated with pleasure by Sangini (a friend)), she explained how rewarding this work has been for her on a personal level, as she has been able to observe the growth of the women within the group and watch their confidence grow with each session. The success of the group and their involvement in the exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate the visibility of Muslim artists and in turn, inspire the women within the group to pursue their passions.

Roohia talked about how she always had a ‘real desire to do art’ and found herself being drawn back to art throughout her life, often preferring to do a mix of calligraphy and painting on a big scale. The Srijoni exhibition is an exciting event for everyone involved and will be a way of ‘making people aware that there are more styles of calligraphy and art’ than they may have realised.

The event signifies the importance of bringing recognition to Muslim artists who otherwise may not have had the visibility they deserve within the art sector.

The assembly of the works created not only celebrates the artist’s triumphs but also, calls attention to the development of the Srijoni group. The event signifies the importance of bringing recognition to Muslim artists who otherwise may not have had the visibility they deserve within the art sector. Roohia shares the group’s excitement as she noted how happy she was to be a part of the exhibition and to see ‘her own practice established’ within the event.

As much as Roohia was excited for her art to be featured, she also noted a hope for ‘everyone to have pleasure in seeing it’ and for the event to be enjoyed by all friends who attend.

If you would like to see the event you can view it digitally via the Sunderland Culture website or in person at the Arts Centre Washington until 6^thJuly 2021.