Imprinting Islamic values

Pakistani artist's work reflects ancient calligraphy and Bedouin culture

The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, is currently hosting the Dubai-based artist Saadia Zaman's captivating works in an exhibition titled Imprints. As the name implies, each piece reflects the variations in the printing techniques that Zaman employs.

The current collection features non-figurative works based on Islamic calligraphy, traditional Bedouin silver jewellery and Zaman's memories and inspiration deep rooted in Arab architecture and the world around her.

Zaman's passion for Islamic calligraphy and her attention to detail form the basis of her beautiful art. The unique blend of vibrant inks, shimmering gold, silver and exquisitely textured handmade paper, along with different powders, pastels and acrylics, yield a fascinating amalgamation of art and technique.

The generous use of gold and silver foils add a rich traditional antique appeal to Zaman's works. The techniques that Zaman employs include etching, collographs and Chine Colle. These techniques are time consuming and demand painstaking effort.

An etching is created by covering a metal plate with an acid-resistant layer of wax called 'ground' and drawing a design through it using an etching needle. The plate is then dipped in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, thus etching the design onto the plate.

Etching allows for a more free artistic interpretation than does engraving. Calligraphy is a relief printing technique in which textured surfaces are levelled and glued. Ink is then rolled onto the plate for printing.

Chine Colle refers to the technique of layering paper into the background of a print.

Zaman was born and educated in Pakistan where she graduated in Home Economics and Interior Design. She has attended workshops and courses in Canada, London and Dubai to master the different techniques she uses.

Resident of Dubai for past 15 years, she did not take up her work professionally until the beginning of the 1990s. She has been prolific, working on commissions for hospitals, hotels, resorts and corporate headquarters in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Some of the top galleries in Dubai, Muscat, Al Khobar and London have exhibited her work.

A two time winner of the merit award at the Dubai International Art Centre's annual exhibition, Zaman has participated in many solo and group exhibitions in Dubai, Sharjah, Kuwait, Muscat and Chicago.

Previously Zaman worked as an interior designer in Dubai. Currently she works from her studio at home. In her spare time she does dress designing, however, not on a professional basis.

Encouraged by her parents and husband to pursue her passion, Zaman continues to experiment with innovative styles and variations in printing techniques, the results of which are often as beautiful as they are interesting.