Social media and the internet have both contributed to making the world a smaller, more understandable place. It is especially useful for businesses who want to gain more customers, allowing them to reach out to a market that they usually wouldn't have access to. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become a form of portfolio for photographers, graphic designers, artists, typographers and calligraphers, allowing them to amass a huge following and become influencers in their field.
More and more we observe the sudden fame and rise in popularity of an individual who has come up with something avant-garde. Suddenly a hard working and unnoticed person could have 1 million followers on Instagram. Art, which was once a past time and investment for the rich and influential is now viewable to everyone, there are styles that suit anybody's preference and the opportunity to find something new is thrown at us every time we hit the explore page.
For Muslims this is a golden time to spread the message and beauty of Islam, whether through calligraphy, geometric patterns, quotes, photography or cooking. Here are three artists you have to add to your feed- and whose Instagram pages are also works of art, aesthetic is part of the experience too!
1. Yaseen
This guy turns the ordinary into extraordinary, cocoa into Audrey Hepburn and milk into MJ. Aside from that Yaseen has the fundamental skills an artist needs, his drawings are amazing in their focused detail or simplicity.
He has also been featured in a Daily Mail article so who knows how many people his art has reached. He describe himself as an 'experimental artist' and it is refreshing to see a post that is different from the others. Who knows, maybe the next drawing will be made out of gold dust.
Yaseen has an impressive 101k followers- a milestone to be celebrated. He also has another account which is more of a hybrid of art and photography but still artistic nonetheless. Give both a follow!
INSTAGRAM: yaseen_uk & yaseenchapters
2. Life Of My Heart
Calligraphy literally translates to 'beautiful writing'. Some of us may not have the neatest or most ornamental handwriting, but we can enjoy the writing of others instead! Not everyone can read Arabic so incorporating Islamic quotes with Western Calligraphy reflects the Western influences and heritage of many Muslims today- while using the poetic proverbs of the Quran and the Arabic language.
Marryam, founder of Life Of My Heart has made a business out of her brush lettering. Flowing brush strokes are imposed over pale delicate watercolour washes reflective of the beautiful Australian coastline, or black ink on white paper for simplicity. Marryam has also collaborated with other artists, including Amira Rahim, who is featured below.
She has over 25k followers on Instagram and also runs a blog that shares the work of other talented and skilled people, so if you really want to find something different- jewellery, photographers, painters- have a read. Marryam also sells prints of her work, you can get a free A4 print if you head over to her blog!
INSTAGRAM: lifeofmyheart
BLOG: www.lifeofmyheart.com.au
3. Amira Rahim
Amira Rahim is an abstract painter and described colour poet 'Like many artists, I began painting and drawing as a child. I knew I had this gift but never thought about making a career out of it. It wasn’t until I got older and came to grips with what I really wanted out of life.'
Amira was a school teacher for two years and a research associate for a financial services firm in Manhattan 'It should’ve been my dream job but after a year and a half, I realized that I didn’t want to live anyone else’s dream or build anyone else’s company.'
'When I got married, I relocated to the UAE where my husband’s job was and found myself in a slump. Newlywed, in a new country, and in many ways starting completely over, I decided, if I don’t pick up the brush and do this now, I may never get the chance again. I did so in 2013 and haven’t looked back since.'
“I am reminded often of the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) “Allah is Beautiful and He loves Beauty” when I think of art and why I am happy to have this calling.”
'Whether it is owning a shop, building a brand, designing, or painting, I am inspired by those who strive for excellency and consistently raise the bar in their work. It motivates me to work just as hard and to keep striving to improve as an artist and creative entrepreneur.'
So far Amira has had an amazing artistic journey and upcoming exhibitions in Hilton Hotels across UAE. No, she doesn't have 10k followers yet, but really, with her bright wonderful colours and fanciful painting it won't be long until she surpasses that number.
INSTAGRAM: amirarahimart
BLOG: www.amirarahim.com
Author: Aaliyah Green
