Introduced and prepared by AL-KARIM JAFFER

Chez Mahmadi, a renowned sanctuary in Nairobi, Kenya, graciously invited two Ismaili artists, Nimira Shariff and Shamim Subzali, to exhibit a collection that uniquely depicted a theme anchored on Sufism — the mystical aspect of Islam. Despite being separated by the winds of time and space, living oceans apart, these two artists embarked on a collaborative journey that transcended physical distance. They displayed their noteworthy pieces from their respective collections of artwork, each showcasing a unique style of inspiration and talent, all under the singular theme of Sufism. Chez Mahmadi, the serene host that showcased the beautiful exhibition from February 1 – 23, 2025, is a multifunctional space that champions an aura designed to inspire, connect, and nurture one’s mind in unison with the soul.

In a story featured in the Asian Weekly, Tanya Vas noted that the exhibition was a harmonious blend of art and atmosphere, each element resonating with the Sufi theme. She described the art pieces as having vibrant hues and swirling patterns, which seemed to breathe, vividly bringing to life the spiritual essence of Sufism.

Artist Nimira Shariff noted the differences in their artistic styles yet emphasized how their works complemented each other. Shamim Subzali shared the joy they found in working with the Sufi theme. The artists are thrilled to showcase a collection of their exhibition work in Simerg, which warmly welcomes and encourages Ismaili artists worldwide to showcase a selection of their works in our continuing series on Ismaili Artistic Expressions.

ARTWORK BY NIMIRA SHARIFF

Nimira Shariff is inspired by pursuing a lifelong passion for ‘Art,’ validating that which is authentic or allegorical at the heart of a given scene. This is evident as she displays her talent stimulated by the inner beauty within her environment and the inner being she yearns for. Using watercolours, Nimira finds harmony in depicting animals, birds, flowers, landscapes, whirling dervishes, and silhouettes of African women. In addition, she has dabbled meticulously using Oils and Pastels. The medium she applied for the Chez Mahmadi Sufi Art Exhibition was Acrylic. This exhibit engrossed her to plough further into ‘The World of Sufism’, exemplifying her passion and the cornerstone of her disposition, illustrating that ‘no literature is enough for her to dwell in.’

Gain a deeper understanding of Nimira’s captivating accomplishments by reading her BIO and also visiting her INSTAGRAM PAGE.

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ARTWORK BY SHAMIM SUBZALI

Shamim Subzali has nurtured her skill by creating impressive pieces of artwork. She favours the formation of portraitures yet continues to explore various art themes, as is demonstrated in this specific Sufi art works. Some of her other creations encompass animals, landscapes, whirling dervishes, life drawings, still life, seascapes, and portraits, drawing inspiration from impressionists. At the Chez Mahmadi exhibit, Shamim harnessed the use of Oils, Pastels, and Watercolours. She continues to excel by experimenting with various other mediums and techniques, such as charcoal and pencil. Shamim’s artful approach is a testament to her talent as she states ‘the learning curve is ever evolving, and never diminishes’. Her ongoing artistic journey is an inspiration to all. Discover the intriguing wonders of an enchanting journey by reading Shamim Subzali’s BIO.

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Date posted: March 31, 2025.
Last updated: April 1, 2025 (inserted links).

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About the contributor: Al-Karim Jaffer, the youngest of four siblings, was born in Burundi and has travelled extensively, having resided in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the UK, and the USA. Presently, he lives in Vancouver, B.C., where he cherishes his family and community. As a proud father of two outstanding young men, his commitment to their well-being and the well-being of his community is unwavering. He is ready to serve with outright dedication and passion. Volunteerism has consistently been the tenet of his being. Life has taken him on a spiritual search path by composing allegorical poetry inspired by faith, the environment, and nature photography. 

Jaffer’s earlier contributions to this website are Craving Souls and Navruz Mubarak.

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The editor invites Ismaili artists to submit a selection of their paintings and other works of art for publication in Simerg. Please submit images of no more than 8 objects in Jpeg (1280 x 940) and your profile to the editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.