Artistic expressions: A selection of beautiful oil paintings by Parviz Dhanani of Houston, Texas

4 June 2023

[Simerg is delighted to present a selection of beautiful paintings by Houston based Ismaili Muslim artist Parviz Dhanani. She becomes the third sister from the Jamani family to be portrayed on this website, following our earlier pieces on Mobina Marani of Crystal Beach, Ontario, and Nabat Pirani of Vancouver, British Columbia. We welcome Parviz, and invite Ismaili artists from around the world to introduce themselves by submitting clear images of some 6-8 paintings in JPG format along with their profiles to the editor Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com. This post reflects how artists are introduced in Simerg — Ed.]

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Paintings by Parviz Dhanani

Paintings by Perviz Dhanani of Houston, Texas, Beauty of the Devine Can be Found in the Seasons — Beauty of the Divine, 11″ x 14″. This work was exhibited at the U.S. National Jubilee Arts Festival in Los Angeles during the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. Painting by Perviz Dhanani, Houston, Texas.

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*Deeer in the Forest. Oil, 20″ x 16″. Painting by Parviz Dhanani, Houston, Texas.*

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Paintings by Perviz Dhanani of Houston, Texa — *A Pleasant Walk. Oil, 8″ x 6″. Painting by Perviz Dhanani, Houston, Texas.*

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Date posted: June 4, 2023.

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Parviz Dhanani of Houston Texas, Simerg artistic expressions — *Parviz Dhanani of Houston Texas.*

Originally from Kampala, Uganda, Parviz Dhanani completed her secondary schooling in Bath, England, earning a law degree (LL.B with honors) from London University. She later pursued graduate business studies in M.I.S. and Finance earning an M.B.A. from the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, Texas. With only a few private lessons from a kindly senior citizen, Parviz was always attracted to oil painting as a hobby. She also creates various three dimensional works ranging from ceramics to shadow boxes. Art was always a relaxing respite from hectic studying days or managing family and medical practice matters with her physician husband, Zul. They have two sons and two grandsons and settled in Houston. During the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee festivities, Parviz’s painting “Beauty of the Divine” (shown above) was selected for exhibition at the U.S. National Jubilee Arts Festival in Los Angeles. Parviz is thankful for such opportunities and appreciates the worldwide platform provided by Simerg. She feels it is important to exhibit different artistic talents and perspectives from around the world.

Parviz Dhanani has two artistic sisters whose art works have been published on Simerg. Please view them by clicking on Mobina Marani and Nabat Pirani.

The editor invites Ismaili artists to submit a selection of their paintings and other works of art for publication in Simerg. Please submit clear images of no more than 8 objects in Jpeg (1200 x 900) along with your profile to the editor Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.

The Qur’an on devotion to parents, as world marks Global Day of Parents

2 June 2023

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By MALIK MERCHANT

On September 17, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 1 as the Global Day of Parents to be observed annually, honouring parents throughout the world. On May 27, 2023, the entire Merchant family remembered their loving dad and grandfather, Jehangir, on the 5th anniversary of his death.

mr and mrs merchant — *Alwaez Jehangir (d. May 2018) and Alwaeza Maleksultan “Mrs. Merchant” (d. January 2021).*

I was personally by his side in 2018 when he left this world peacefully to return to his original abode. Of course, we also remembered our mum. She passed away on January 21, 2021. Were she alive today, the family would be celebrating her 92nd birthday a week from today, on June 9th.

I became aware of the Global Day of Parents late into the night of Thursday June, 1, through a tribute — along with a picture — that the United Nations Secretary General General, António Guterres, paid to his late parents in LinkedIn. He wrote:

“This Global Day of Parents I think of my mother Ilda and my father Virgílio. I will always cherish their nurture, encouragement and unconditional love. I am grateful for them and all parents worldwide committed to raising their children in a peaceful and healthy world.” Inspiring words, indeed.

While June 1 is Global Parents Day, we must be mindful that parents need care and support regularly. Many of us have lost one or both our parents, while others have both parents alive, some in good health and others facing extraordinary challenges. They depend on their children, the spouses of their children as well as grandchildren to provide them with comfort and companionship as they age.

Islam places a particular emphasis on devotion and being good to parents, as shown by the following verses in the Qur’an:

“Serve God, and associate naught with Him. Be kind to parents, and the near kinsman” — 4:36.

“Thy Lord has decreed you shall not serve any but Him, and to be good to parents, whether one or both of them attains old age with thee; say not to them ‘Fie’ neither chide them, but speak unto them words respectful, and lower to them the wing of humbleness out of mercy and say; ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them, as they raised me up when I was little.“ — Quran, 17:23-24.

“(And We have charged man concerning his parents — his mother bore him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning was in two years — ‘Be thankful to Me, and to thy parents; to Me is the homecoming.” — 31:14.

‘You shall not serve any save God; and to be good to parents, and the near kinsman, and to orphans, and to the needy — 2:83.

“They will question thee concerning what they should expend. Say: ‘Whatsoever good you expend is for parents and kinsmen, orphans, the needy, and the traveller; and whatever good you may do, God has knowledge of it” — 2:215.

“Our Lord, forgive Thou me and my parents, and the believers, upon the day when the reckoning shall come to pass.” — 14:41.

“Lower to them the wings of humility out of compassion” — 17: 24.

“O John, take the Book forcefully; and We gave him judgment, yet a little child, and a tenderness from Us, and purity; and he was godfearing, and cherishing his parents, not arrogant, rebellious.” — 19:12-14.

“Give them company in the worldly affairs with appropriate courtesy and kindness” — 31:15.

These are beautiful verses for us to keep in mind. In this regard, mutual support between spouses for the care of both their parents is critical for family unity and harmony; it will ensure barakah (happiness) in both the worlds and give us peace of mind in our daily lives.

Date posted: June 2, 2023.
Last updated: June 3, 2023 (added Qur’anic verse 17-24.)

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English translations of Qur’anic verses quoted above by A. J. Arberry. Please visit Corpus Qur’an for upto 7 different translations of every verse in the Qur’an.

The Al-Azhar Park: Cairo’s “Green Lung” was once a dump site for centuries and the Aga Khan transformed it into a must visit world-class park

31 May 2023

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Introduced by MALIK MERCHANT

Please click: CAIRO’S AL-AZHAR PARK

The Aga Khan’s gift to Alberta is the Aga Khan Garden at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden in the outskirts of Edmonton. If you are in Edmonton, spend a day visiting the vast Botanic Garden that also includes the Indigenous Garden, Kurimoto Japanese Garden and the Patrick Seymour Alpine Garden. In the past year, I have made two trips to see the Aga Khan Garden. Please see my first post HERE and the second one with my daughter HERE (combined with visits to Waterton Lakes National Park and the Kananaskis).

Thousands of miles away in bustling Cairo, where the Aga Khan’s ancestors, the Fatimids, built one of the oldest universities in the world, the Al-Azhar, the Aga Khan one day, in the 1980’s, walked through a centuries old dumpsite. He decided to build a park on top of the site and after years and years of effort the dump site became one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Montreal based photographer Muslim Harji recently visited Egypt and began a special series of 4 exclusive photo essays with Street Foods of Cairo. We now present his 2nd photo essay and it is dedicated to the Al-Azhar Park.

Al Azhar Park beautiful wedding photo. Simerg. — *A newly wedded couple share a beautiful moment at Cairo’s Al-Azhar Park. Please click on image for Muslim Harji’s exclusive photo essay. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.*

Date posted: May 31, 2023.

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Heart breaking images from Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s “The Living Sea: Fragile Beauty” exhibition at the Ismaili Centre Toronto

28 May 2023

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Plastic in the Oceans

By AL-QAWI NANAVATI

Originally from Mumbai, India, I have long been an artist and am currently pursuing a graduate program in Printmaking at the University of Iowa through an Iowa Arts Fellowship. My recent visit to Toronto happily coincided with the presentation by Prince Hussain Aga Khan of his exhibition The Living Sea: Fragile Beauty at the Aga Khan Museum. I then spent a considerable amount of time viewing the exhibition in the Ismaili Centre Toronto’s social hall and patio. I left the two events feeling inspired and motivated to do whatever I can to assist Prince Hussain in his goals of educating us and raising our awareness about the disturbing state of the oceans and its sea creatures.

Ismaili artists Al-Qawi Nanavati pictured at Prince Hussain Aga Khan's exhibition at the Ismaili Centre Toronto — Al-Qawi Nanavati, a graduate student pursuing Printmaking at the University of Iowa pictured at Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s exhibition The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty, at the Ismaili Centre Toronto; May 22, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

The two images shown below captured my attention the most after hearing Prince Hussain speak about his passions and purpose behind the show. The images are mounted on a large panel in the patio of the Ismaili Centre. Titled Plastic Bag and Plastic Waste, they were taken in two different parts of the world, the Philippines and Sardinia, 3 years apart. I thought a lot about these two photographs long after I left the show. They were extremely poignant and show us a mirror into what we are doing to our planet.

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Plastic bags in ocean, Hussain Aga Khan, simerg — Two photographs captured by Prince Hussain Aga Khan of plastic bags in the ocean (top the Philippines, bottom Sardinia) that alarmed Al-Qawi Nanavati when she visited his exhibition The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty at the Ismaili Centre Toronto; May 22, 2023. Photograph: Al-Qawi Nanavati/Simerg.

Prince Hussain has caption notes accompanying the two photographs. For the first photo, taken in May 2017 in the Philippines, the Prince writes: “This was the most depressing thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

For the bottom photo, taken in August 2020 in Sardinia, Prince Hussain laments: “Unfortunately few, if any, effective solutions exist to rid our oceans of this ongoing problem. Most would be difficult to bring to scale. As long as mankind isn’t ready to give up plastic or capable of producing reliable alternatives, our marine environment (and others!) will suffer.”

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The image of a snared dolphin that sunk my heart

By DR. NURIN MERCHANT

The photograph by Prince Hussain Aga Khan of two dolphins swimming side by side had the greatest impact on me when I visited his exhibition The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty at the Ismaili Centre Toronto.

My eyes were immediately drawn to one of the dolphin’s tails, which had a black rope (presumably from fishing equipment) tightly ensnared around it. The rope had been cinched so tight over time that it was now embedded in the dolphin’s skin. My heart sank — such an intelligent yet helpless creature experiencing so much pain and suffering due to mankind’s irresponsibility with its creation.

I would like for the readers to think about something we can all relate to for a moment — pretend that one day you are walking barefoot on a beach, somewhat far from home. Suddenly, OUCH! You feel a sharp pain, and notice that you have accidentally stepped on a piece of glass that has become deeply embedded in the sole of your foot. Somehow, no matter how hard you try, you cannot remove the glass. No one is around to help you, so you are forced to walk all the way home; each step is a painful burden as the glass digs in, deeper and deeper. A few hours later you reach home, fetch a pair of tweezers, and thankfully succeed in removing the shard.

Habituated bottlenose dolphins taken by Prince Hussain Aga Khan at a site known as Dolphin Reef near Hurghada, Egypt, November 2020. Note the rope attached and digging deep into the second dolphin's tail — Habituated bottlenose dolphins taken by Prince Hussain Aga Khan at a site known as Dolphin Reef near Hurghada, Egypt, November 2020. Note the rope attached and digging deep into the second dolphin’s tail — impossible for a simple diver to remove. Photograph: Nurin Merchant/Simerg

This dolphin has no one to help it. In the scenario you just imagined, just like we use our feet to propel us forward, the dolphin uses its tail. Unlike the scenario though, this dolphin has likely been living with this injury for months, not hours. And one day, it is very probable that he or she will die from this injury.

This photograph highlights the damage that we continue to inflict upon nature and juxtaposes it with nature’s strong will and resiliency. I see it every day in my career as a veterinarian — animals are far more resilient and perseverant than humans, but this is because they have no choice but to survive, but to persevere.

We must be their voice. And we must always remember: nature’s resiliency cannot compete with our destruction. One day, just as this dolphin — an animal recognized by many scientists as a non-human person due to their high level of intelligence and ability to be self-aware — will succumb to its injuries, so will our ecosystems and the species who call it home (ourselves included).

Each and every one of us has a duty to protect, preserve, and conserve Nature and our home, Planet Earth. Without it, there is no us.

Date posted: May 28, 2023.
Last updated: June 01, 2023 (reformatting.)

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Children, youth and professionals share their voices on Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s photo exhibition “The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty”

27 May 2023

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Introduced by MALIK MERCHANT

Both the Glenbow at the Edison in Calgary and the Ismaili Centre Toronto venues of Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s exhibition The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty have provided me with ample opportunities to meet people of all ages to hear what they think about the exhibition in general and which specific photographs, if they had to pick only one, impressed them the most. I am delighted to present a selection of video and audio recordings of the beautiful voices I have heard in the last few days.

VIDEO

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AUDIOS

(1) ZOHEB NAZERALI, Ismaili Centre Toronto

Hussain Aga Khan The Living Sea — Sophia Suleman — listen to her audio below — picked “Pilot whales swimming through the light” as her favourite image in Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s exhibition The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty that is on display at the Ismaili Centre Toronto until June 4, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

(2) SOPHIA SULEMAN, Ismaili Centre Toronto

(3) ADRIENNE, Ismaili Centre Toronto

More audios below

Visitors at Prince Hussain Aga Khan's exhibition The Living Sea -- Fragile Unity at the Ismaili Centre Toronto; May 26, 2023. — *Visitors at Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s exhibition The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty at the Ismaili Centre Toronto; May 26, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg*

(4) ADEN WALJI SAYED, Ismaili Centre Toronto

(5) ADYAN MOMAN, Ismaili Centre Toronto

More audios below

Visitors at Prince Hussain Aga Khan's exhibition The Living Sea -- Fragile Unity at the Ismaili Centre Toronto; May 26, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg — *Visitors at Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s exhibition The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty at the Ismaili Centre Toronto; May 26, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg*

(6) SALMA and TAJ JADAVJI, Glenbow at The Edison (Calgary)

Adam Walji Sayed -- listen to his audio below -- picked "Marine Iguanas" as his favourite image in Prince Hussain Aga Khan's exhibition The Living Sea - Fragile Beauty that is on display at the Ismaili Centre Toronto until June 4, 2023. — Adam Walji Sayed — listen to his audio below — picked “Marine Iguanas” as his favourite image in Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s exhibition The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty that is on display at the Ismaili Centre Toronto until June 4, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

(7) ADAM WALJI SAYED, Ismaili Centre Toronto

(8) IRIAN, Ismaili Centre Toronto

(9) KHALIL NAZARALI

Young Ismaili volunteers and friends at Prince Hussain Aga Khan's exhibition The Living Sea -- Fragile Unity at the Ismaili Centre Toronto; May 26, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg — *Young Ismaili volunteers and friends at Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s exhibition The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty at the Ismaili Centre Toronto; May 26, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg*

Date posted: May 27, 2023.
Last updated: May 29, 2023 (typos and restore missing audios.)

Please visit our sister website Barakah for our exclusive reports and photographs of Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s presentations in Calgary and Toronto.

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Renowned Crow’s Theatre in Toronto issues special call for Ismaili Actors for premiere of The Wrong Bashir

15 May 2023

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“The Wrong Bashir found the right audience on opening night if gales of laughter are any indication. From the curtain opener to the surprise at curtain fall, the sold-out crowd at the Firehall had a grand time. The Wrong Bashir is going to be a big hit; for some, it will be a laugh-yourself-silly evening” — Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Theatre Review

By MALIK MERCHANT

Following a fully sold-out run and critical acclaim for the Vancouver world premiere, Crow’s Theatre has announced the Toronto premiere of the new Ismaili comedy, The Wrong Bashir. The play will open in Toronto next year on May 21st 2024 and run until June 9th, 2024.

The play was met with enthusiastic full-houses and positive reviews in Vancouver — leading the prestigious Toronto theatre to pick up the new play as part of its bold, ambitious and imaginative 2023-2024 season.

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The Wrong Bashir Cast, Ismaili Play, Crow's Theatre — *The full cast of The Wrong Bashir take the stage in Vancouver. Photograph: Matt Reznek*

Last week, Crow’s Theatre issued a special call for Ismaili actors to audition. They are seeking Ismaili actors for roles of many different ages and types. The full casting call link is available HERE.

For some of the roles (Nani, Nana, Gulzar) varying levels (and less experience in acting) is welcome. For the roles of Al-Nashir, Mansour, Bashir, and Nafisa, acting experience is required.

As exemplified by initiatives such as Jubilee Arts, there is hidden artistic talent in the community, and the theatre welcomes Ismailis interested to audition. Auditions began in April and the directors hope to wrap up in the next few weeks, so interested applicants are encouraged to submit as soon as possible. To submit, send a resume and headshot in one attachment to Director Paolo Santalucia (paolo@crowstheatre.com). Questions can be directed to thewrongbashirplay@gmail.com, and full information on how to submit is available at this LINK.

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The Wrong Bashir by Zahida Rahemtulla, Crow's Theatre 2024 season, Toronto, Simerg, Ismaili drama — *Shera Haji, Leena Manro, and Aman Mann in the Vancouver production of The Wrong Bashir. Photograph: Matt Reznek.*

The Wrong Bashir, Crow's Theatre, Toronto, Simerg, Zahida Rahemtulla, Simerg and Hussein Janmohamed, 2024 season — *Hussein Janmohamed, Parm Soor, and Aman Mann were among the stars in Vancouver’s rendition of The Wrong Bashir, which received a world premiere in BC in March 2023. Photograph: Matt Reznek*.

The Play

The Wrong Bashir is Burnaby-born Ismaili playwright Zahida Rahemtulla’s debut play. It follows Bashir Ladha, a young philosophy major who has drifted from his Ismaili roots. Bashir’s parents receive a call that their wayward son has been selected as Student’s Mukhisaheb (congregational leader in Ismaili Jamatkhana), and they dutifully accept on his behalf. Before Bashir has a chance to argue, two official committee representatives arrive at the Ladha household.

As the two representatives slowly begin to realise a possible mistake in selection, the doorbell rings and Bashir’s excited grandparents and family friend make a surprise visit, having caught wind of the news in their Jamatkhana. The fun begins and much hilarity ensues as everyone struggles to keep up a farce. Reflections about tradition, the second-generation, and community are all brought to life in this heartfelt comedy, which also affectionately brings to life much of the humour that exists within Ismaili communities.

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Playwright Zahida Rahemtulla and Director Paolo Santalucia

Zahida Rahemtulla, playwright of The Wrong Bashir.

Zahida Rahemtulla is a playwright and short story writer. Her debut play, The Wrong Bashir, premiered with Touchstone Theatre in Vancouver and was recently picked up for Toronto premiere with Crow’s Theatre, which has been a leading force in new play creation in the Canadian theatre landscape. Zahida currently facilitates Parragon Theatre’s East of Tarragon Project in Scarborough and is passionate about education and working on new plays and with new playwrights.

Paolo Santalucia, director of The Wrong Bashir, Crow's Theatre, Toronto — *Paolo Santalucia, director of The Wrong Bashir.*

Paolo Santalucia is an award-winning actor, director and writer. He is a graduate of the Soulpepper Academy, and has been a member of Soulpepper’s ensemble for the past ten seasons. Paolo is a co-founder and Artistic Leader of the award-winning Howland Company. Paolo also teaches classical performance with the University of Toronto’s Theatre and Drama Studies Program, and is the recipient of two Dora Mavor Moore Awards in acting, one nomination for direction, and has been shortlisted for the John Hirsch Award for Directing.

Date posted: May 15, 2023.

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Please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents as well as visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah and Simergphotos. The editor Malik Merchant may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

For Mother’s Day – and the rest of the week – don’t miss a very unique and unexpected “Mummy Hug” at Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s Living Sea Exhibition in Calgary

14 May 2023

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By MALIK MERCHANT

At Calgary’s Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana this morning, May 14th, 2023, attending members gathered in the social hall after prayers to celebrate a birthday with a cake. Spread across the “chai” and “mandazi” table were beautiful fresh rose stems. All mothers received a rose each, followed by inspiring prayers as well as tributes to mothers around the world from the Mukhi and Kamadiasahebs (leaders of the congregation.) It was absolutely refreshing to see beautiful smiles on the faces of all the mothers of all ages that early in the morning. But it was MOTHER’S DAY!

Sea Lions, Hussain Aga Khan — *Sea Lions by Prince Hussain Aga Khan at The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty exhibition, Calgary, May 11-21, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.*

Hours earlier, before leaving home, I had sent individual Mother’s Day wishes to special friends I have known for many years. In response, one of them sweetly replied with fond prayers for my health and added the 4 letters HUGS!

At this, my thought immediately turned to a photograph taken by Prince Hussain Aga Khan in August 2018 in La Paz, Mexico. A small print as well as a much larger print of the photo appears at his Living Sea exhibition in Calgary that opened to large crowds on Thursday, May 11 — the stunning photographic exhibition continues at Glenbow at the Edison until May 21, and the entrance is free. The photograph is entitled “Moving Mummy Hug” and it is of a sea lion swimming with its baby, hugging it momentarily. The absolutely amazing photograph has touched the hearts of everyone who has seen it and one visitor said to me in a short interview for my first day’s report: “Prince Hussain captures moments with these animals that shows that they have this almost human characteristic — this love, this energy that really helps people relate to them and really feel for them…. He almost photographs them as if they are members of his own family…. It’s really a neat feeling that you have when you look at these, and I think of my own children and I think of these animals with their own calves, and its just unbelievable.”

Moving Mummy Hug by Hussain Aga Khan. — “Moving Mummy Hug,” captured by Prince Hussain Aga Khan in La Paz, Mexico, August 2018. Exhibited at The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty, Calgary, May 11-21, 2023. Exhibit photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

So, I say to everyone visiting today and for the remainder of the duration of the exhibition, view this photograph and others from close, from a distance and from different angles. Prince Hussain notes in the photograph’s caption, “There were about 8 sea lions in that location, all moving at different speeds and in different directions. But this duo seemed organized and even purposeful. The hug lasted seconds or less. It was completely unexpected.”

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers around the world and to all specials friends who are mothers!

Date posted: May 14, 2023.

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A brief note on Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s beautiful photo book “The Living Sea” – get your copy before it sells out!

13 May 2023

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By MALIK MERCHANT

There are books around me, galore! And some of the oversized books in my collection are quite beautiful. In 2022, I added one more beautiful volume to my collection, “Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens” (read reflections by Nizar Motani.) I proudly have it on my tiny square living room table for me as well as everyone visiting me to enjoy. As Motani observed: “This epic volume and once in a life time publication should be an occasion of immense pride and happiness for every Ismaili murid and should belong in our homes.”

Depth of field, Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, by Gary Otte, Ismaili Imam, Simerg

The photograph of my beloved Imam — Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan — on the front cover is a joy to see. It also serves as a source of strength in my daily life, and reminds me of his ancestry to the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) from whom he is directly descended and holder of the Hereditary Divine Seat of the Imamat. As the volume’s editor, Gary Otte could not have chosen a more vivid and warmer photo for the cover.

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the opening of Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s exhibition in Calgary, I acquired “The Living Sea,” a fully illustrated 320 page hardback edition of the Prince’s collection of sea animal photographs captured over the last few years. The exhibition hosts, The Glenbow at the Edison, were allocated 100 copies and, as of the 2nd day of the exhibition, they had already sold 25 copies (each @ CAN $80.00 + taxes, as applicable). According to the information that I have, there will be a total of 350 copies for sale in Canada — including Glenbow’s stock of 100. It appears that the volume, with its small print run, will have to go into second printing. The book is beautifully bound and printed in Spain.

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The Living Sea by Hussain Aga Khan, Hardcover, 312 pages, 24 x 33 cms, published by ‎ La Fábrica, 2022 simerg — *The Living Sea by Hussain Aga Khan, Hardcover, 320 pages, 24.13 x 3.18 x 33.02 cms, published by ‎ La Fábrica, Oct. 18 2022*.

The Living Sea Exhibition – Fragile Beauty exhibition (May 11-21, 2023, Calgary) is going to be etched in everyone’s memories forever, judging by the comments and the time that most visitors are taking to view the photographs, reading their captions as well as gathering facts and statistics on the fragility of the sea and its beautiful creatures that are posted on a number of panels. I therefore differ with the Ismaili community’s Al-Akhbar newsletter that says that “the exhibit can be viewed in approximately 30 minutes.” Indeed, Prince Hussain’s excellent timeline from 2004-2023 and profile alone require at least 5-7 minutes of reading time. I don’t recommend that visitors rush through an insightful exhibition such as The Living Sea in 30 minutes. I would recommend at least another 20-30 minutes!

And what when the exhibition winds down in Calgary on May 21? Its return to Calgary may be some years away. How are we going to preserve and cherish the memories of the Prince’s incredible insight into the sea and its creatures that we are being presented through the exhibition? How do we cherish the work he is doing and share them with our young children and youth?

This is where owning your own copy of “The Living Sea” becomes important. The book is insightful, and outlines Prince Hussein’s firsthand experiences he underwent to capture these emotive photographs. The electronic media is around, but nothing is as satisfying and pleasurable as holding a book in your hands, taking the time to flip through its pages as you read it. As parents, we will bring excitement and happiness to our children as we show them the book. Their astonishment will be reflected as they point or place their finger on the photographs. Most importantly, this will be an opportunity to educate our children at a young age about the fragility of the marine ecosystem, how vital it is to our existence on Earth, and how imperative it is that we work to protect it as well as all the creatures who call it home. I therefore recommend you to acquire your own copy of this marvellous volume. And many who will not visit the exhibition, will get a lot of satisfaction by owning the volume.

With regard to its prominent placement, “The Living Sea” and “The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens” will sit next to each other at an angle, so that they fit well on my tiny square living room table.

Date posted: May 13, 2023.

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Visitors are filled with surprise, wonder and amazement as Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s Living Sea photographic exhibition opens at The Glenbow at Edison; free admission!

12 May 2023

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“I am amazed at this entire exhibit because of how intimate the photos are in telling the story of each animal and their interaction with other animals under the sea…. Prince Hussain captures moments with these animals that show that they have this almost human characteristic – this love, this energy that really helps people relate to them and really feel for them” — visitors to The Living Sea, May 11, 2023, opening day, speaking to Simerg

Hussain Aga Khan The Living Sea in Calgary — *Timeline of Prince Hussain Aga Khan, The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty, Glenbow at the Edison, Calgary, May 11-21, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.*

By MALIK MERCHANT

For several days, I have been excitedly looking forward to the Canadian debut in Calgary of Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s photographic exhibition entitled The Living Sea: Fragile Beauty. I wanted to capture the moment at 11 AM on Thursday May 11, when the first batch of visitors entered the exhibition hall at The Glenbow at Edison located in the heart of Calgary’s downtown. Alas, some important maintenance work was underway in my apartment that delayed my arrival until almost 1 PM. All visitors were warmly greeted by volunteers as they walked through the front doors and reached the 2nd floor of the Edison. The staff manning the registration desk were courteous and processed the visitors speedily. Prince Hussain’s latest book of sea animal pictures “The Living Sea,” was also available for purchase at the desk and I eagerly acquired my personal copy before they sell out. The price is CDN $80.00 + 5% GST. I was informed that, as of the opening time, almost 7,000 visitors had registered to attend the exhibition, which runs until May 21. With permission to conduct small interviews, I began my tour of the beautiful exhibition hall by first studying an informative timeline as well as profile of Prince Hussain.

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Hussain Aga Khan The Living Sea Calgary — *A view of Hussain Aga Khan’s The Living Sea – Fragile Unity, Glenbow at the Edison, Calgary, May 11-21, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.*

Then, in front of my eyes, along the entire length of the hall, was a collection of amazing and beautiful photographs of sea animals that Prince Hussain has captured over the last several years starting from his youthful days. Visitors viewed and admired photographs from different angles with fascination and interest, noting some fine details of the photographs. Many felt they were deep in the ocean with the sea creatures they were seeing in front of them. Children showed a great deal of interest and asked their parents insightful questions about the sea creatures. They had come to see the photographs as well as to learn.

I wasted no time in approaching a few visitors for their overall feedback about the exhibition and the photographs that they liked the most. Everyone I approached happily gave me a few moments of their time. My interviews were short and precise and I am pleased to include a couple of audio recordings as well as transcripts from all recordings that I carried out (the transcripts are edited for clarity).

The exhibition is free to attend and you can register for tickets by clicking on The Living Sea: Glenbow at the Edison. Public parking is available at parking areas located about 5-10 minutes from the Edison building. I would urge you to reserve your free tickets without delay — and take your children and grandparents with you. They will thank you for showing them the wonders of the ocean.

Visitors share their favourite photographs with Simerg

Exhibition volunteer: I have two favourite photos: One is the side-profile of the Hammerhead’s face. Classically, when certain animals are photographed, you only see them in a certain way but he [Prince Hussain] has captured this animal from a totally different angle that I have never seen before. It just brings to light different features and just makes you appreciate this amazing creature in a different way; and I just think that’s consistent across his photos in terms of how he captures them in a very unique way.

Hussain Aga Khan The Living Sea Calgary, Simerg

The second favourite I have is Mum’s Hug which is a sea lion with its baby and they are swimming together and Prince Hussain captures moments with these animals that shows that they have this almost human characteristic –- this love, this energy that really helps people relate to them and really feel for them and understand why the Prince does what he does, and why he cares the way he does. He almost photographs them as if they are members of his own family…. It’s really a neat feeling that you have when you look at these, and I think of my own children and I think of these animals with their own calves, and its just unbelievable.

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Mamnuna (last name inaudible): I am here at the exhibition The Living Sea by Prince Hussain Aga Khan. As soon as I entered the exhibition, I could feel the energy in the atmosphere. There is so much photography that you are oozing yourself in, and that’s an amazing feeling. I recommend that everyone comes to the exhibition and experiences this amazing feeling that I got today. My favourite photograph was the Clownfish. I just love how Prince Hussain captured it. His emphasis is on the fish and the photograph is very clear. By looking at the fish, you feel the fish is looking at you. It is amazing!

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David Silverberg (audio)

David Silverberg (transcript, edited): I am amazed at this entire exhibit because of how intimate the photos are in telling the story of each animal and their interaction with other animals under the sea. I am especially fond of the Hammerhead Shark that you first see when you first walk into the exhibit, because I have never seen such a close-up photo of this very unique shark that isn’t really in movies and in pop-culture as much as the Great White Shark and other kind of sharks. Its detail of the open mouth and the eyes that look very creepy and predatory is something I won’t soon forget.

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Donna and Michelle (audio)

Donna (transcript, edited, last name inaudible): I came to see this [exhibition] and I did not know what I was coming to see but I am so glad that I did. I did not know we have such beautiful creatures living in the ocean. And I would never be able to see them if somebody had not taken the time to do this. These pictures are absolutely incredible and some of them are funny and this man has a sense of humour, and its just too bad he isn’t here to give us a speech because I would love to be able to tell him, “Thank you very much for giving me such a pleasant day.”

Michelle Burns (accompanying Donna, transcript, edited): I think this thing is absolutely amazing! He has got details on every single picture. I think my favourite is of the big huge one of the sea lion, and I am also going to say this turtle — the big turtle. I like some things he has got on there, the things that are happening — such as the percentages of animals that are left of some species compared to what the situation was 20 years ago. As she (Donna) said, the sense of humour that the Prince has is just amazing. It’s the best thing I have ever seen in a long time. I loved it!

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Casey Anwar: We came to the exhibition because I like sea creatures and I saw a portfolio on the website. My favourite picture is probably the pregnant Tiger Shark because I have never ever seen a pregnant Tiger Shark swim around and I love sharks.

Name inaudible (accompanying Casey): I came for the same reasons. The exhibition is very serene and majestic. And my favourite image is definitely the two Humpback Whales, child and mother, ascending from the deep with the rays of sunshine coming up.

Date posted: May 12, 2023.

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Free exhibition, Calgary, May 11-21: Glenbow at the Edison brings you the phenomenal beauty and fragility of the ocean and its creatures through photographs of Hussain Aga Khan

9 May 2023

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For free exhibition tickets, please click The Living Sea: Glenbow at the Edison

“Given that humans live on land, we tend to have a rather terrestrial-centric view of the world. But when we consider that 98% of Earth’s biosphere, the place where life can exist, is made of water and that every other breath a human takes cycled through the sea, it becomes clear that the ocean is not only vital to our planet, the ocean is our planet” — Brian Skerry, in introduction to Diving Into Wildlife (2nd ed., 2015). Skerry is photojournalist and contributor to National Geographic

Photograph: Hussain Aga Khan/Diving into Wildlife — *Photograph: Hussain Aga Khan, published in Diving into Wildlife, page 34. Click on image to reserve free tickets*.

“The work of Hussain Aga Khan is visual poetry created in the sea that seduces the viewer to discover her mysteries and leads people to care ….Through his work, Hussain tells an important story. It is a story about a magnificent place he has explored, photographed and shares with us now. It is a story about a place quite unlike any other, and is a place that needs our help” — Brian Skerry, in introduction to Diving Into Wildlife (2nd ed., 2015)

Spaces for the “The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty” are filling up fast, so get your free ticket NOW by clicking on GLENBOW AT THE EDISON.

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Date posted: May 9, 2023.

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Visitors share their favourite photographs with Simerg

Free exhibition, Calgary, May 11-21: Glenbow at the Edison brings you the phenomenal beauty and fragility of the ocean and its creatures through photographs of Hussain Aga Khan