Simerg is pleased to present a selection of artwork by Shafina Jaffer, whose painting entitled Take Me Away was projected onto the facade of Windsor Castle at the Coronation Concert held outside Windsor Castle on May 7, 2023, in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. We sincerely thank Aniza Meghani of London, England, for introducing us to Shafina and her magnificent artwork. The following profile of Shafina is based on the material that was submitted by her for this post. We have learned that the artist is hosting a special art session on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the Upanga Jamatkhana Social Hall in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to set the tone for the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board’s special Navroz Art Fiesta.

Shafina Jaffer is an Ismaili spiritual contemporary artist born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and raised in Karachi and Dubai. She received her education in the UK, graduating from the prestigious Royal College of Art in Fine Art.

In 2023, her painting was selected for the Coronation Concert of Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla as a backdrop for the Romeo & Juliet play performance. She was invited to attend the event as a VIP guest, witnessing her work titled Take Me Away projected onto the facade of Windsor Castle and witnessed live by millions of people across the world.

Shafina has exhibited in many art shows internationally and the world-renowned galleries of Saatchi Gallery in London, Zeitz Mocca in Cape Town, the Venice Biennale and London Art Fair. Most recently, she was invited to exhibit at the National Gallery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, representing the Ismaili community on the 75th Anniversary of the Indian Republic Day to celebrate the Indian-Tanzanian shared history of culture. Her painting, The Temptation (see below), painted on tree bark, with natural mineral pigments received praise from the Minister of Tourism and the Indian High Commission.

Please click on images for enlargements

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Shafina’s art is unique, for she is the first one to create a genre of art where Indian and African art synthesize to deliver a unique visual dance that combines Indian traditions of miniature painting with African natural mediums and design. She also creates large installations using recycled plastic bottles to draw attention to plastic waste, recycling, and environmental mindfulness. These have been featured extensively in the media and news in Tanzania.

Shafina navigates the realm of abstract art, seamlessly weaving together elements of religion, spirituality, natural mediums, ontology, and a profound exploration of the divine to convey a powerful message of heightened morality, spiritual awareness, and the meaning of life. Her artistic journey is a tapestry of inspiration drawn from her multicultural background, where the interplay of diverse influences shapes her unique artistic identity.

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Born into a family that celebrated both Eastern and Western traditions, Shafina was exposed to a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices, laying the foundation for her transcendent art. At the core of her work is exploring abstract art as a vehicle for expressing the ineffable and transcendent aspects of human existence. Her canvases are vibrant playgrounds of colour, form, and texture, inviting viewers into a world where the boundaries of conventional representation dissolve, leaving room for interpretation and personal introspection.

Religion and spirituality are recurring themes in her art, reflecting her deep exploration of faith and the human connection to the divine. Through her abstract interpretations, she delves into the universal quest for meaning and purpose, exploring the intersection of different religious traditions and spiritual philosophies. Her works serve as visual meditations, encouraging viewers to contemplate the shared threads that bind humanity’s spiritual journey.

Natural mediums play a pivotal role in her artistic process. She embraces the inherent beauty and symbolism found in organic materials, utilising them to create textures that evoke a connection to the natural world. Bark, leaves, and earthy pigments become integral elements in her compositions, fostering a harmonious relationship between the earthly and the divine. This intentional use of natural mediums adds depth to her works, serving as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all life.

Ontology, the study of being and existence, becomes a philosophical undercurrent in her art. Her abstract expressions delve into questions of existence, identity, and the nature of reality. Through the interplay of forms and colours, she invites viewers to search within themselves for the profundity of life. Each brushstroke becomes a philosophical inquiry, prompting introspection on the profound questions that define the human experience.

God, in its various manifestations and interpretations across cultures, becomes a central motif in her art. Her abstract compositions serve as visual prayers, transcending the boundaries of religious dogma and inviting viewers to connect with a higher consciousness. Her art becomes a vessel for the divine, a bridge between the earthly and the spiritual, fostering a sense of reverence and awe.

In essence, Shafina Jaffer’s art is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and spirituality. Her abstract expressions serve as a catalyst for introspection, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and heightened moral awareness. Through the marriage of abstract art, religion, spirituality, natural mediums, ontology, and a profound exploration of the divine, she offers a visual sanctuary where the meaning of life unfolds in every brushstroke and colour palette.

Date posted: February 19, 2024.

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