Start the Press!
Ikon Gallery Residency
Start the Press was a printmaking exhibition at Ikon gallery, that centred around an antique, flatbed printing press from Wolverhampton school of Art. A cohort of West Midlands printmakers were invited to operate the press: establishing a functioning printmaking workshop, producing original prints and filling the gallery walls as artwork was made in real time. Regional printmakers include Taiba Akhtar, Haseebah Ali, Simon Harris, Fae Kilburn, Karen McLean, Laura Onions, Satinder Parhar and Heather Peak.
Haseebah standing next to the flatbed press.
During her studio, Haseebah made new work in response to the Birmingham Qur’an and Mingana Collection at University of Birmingham. This was part of the Qur’an in the City project, organised by Culture Forward, to increase public engagement with the Birmingham Qur’an and Mingana Collection through a programme of activities such as theatrical installations, exhibitions, workshops and lectures.
As I cast on you, Love from me- Multi block lino print
As I cast on you love from me', is a multi colour lino print inspired by the Birmingham Qur'an and The Mingana collection at the Cadbury Research library at The University of Birmingham. Haseebah looked into the archival materials feeling particularly inspired by the ornamentation on the spiritual manuscripts, particularly the use of gold and floral latticework. Ali wanted to include elements of manuscripts (M.Pers.8), (M.Per.15.) and (M.Arabic.1651)as well as the Birmingham Qur'an, particularly Surah Taha, verse 39. The words 'As I cast on you, love from me' in this verse is seen in the corners of the artwork and displayed in Hijazi or Ma'il script which was one of the earlier calligraphy styles of the Qur'an. Ali also uses traditional jewel tones you'd typically see on the first page of spiritual manuscripts. The multi layered print is a homage to the research material as well as Haseebah's love for Islamic Art in her practise.
Haseebah has since refined the printing blocks back at her studio, and created an edition in two styles, available for purchase upon request.
