MuslimFest 2011

MuslimFest is an annual festival that celebrates the best in Muslim Arts and entertainment. Featuring local and international artists who showcase their talent in various areas, concerts featuring popular Muslim artists, comedy shows, a multicultural bazaar, a kids carnival, and more.  This year was my 3rd year at MuslimFest, and by far the best year. I met amazing chefs, artists and people from all different walks of life, tried amazing international foods, and had a B L A S T !. 

 I also had the opportunity to also speak to some local artists which will be featured below!. 

Make sure you don't miss next years MuslimFest!

Michael Klaus Schmidt

Born in Hanau, Germany in 1972, his family moved to Chicago in 1974.  He studied Fine Arts at Northern Illinois University, but have considered himself an artistsince around the age of 4.

His Booth @ MuslimFest

 This was by far my favourite piece of his. Although you can't really see, the amount of layering and detail work is absolutely unreal and breathtaking!. He told me he does this by using layers of paint and glue, giving them a translucent depth.

Observation

For his Gallery Go to: http://www.schmidt-gallery.com/

Other Amazing Works @ MuslimFest!

Coolest work of Art i've seen. -- A water canvas! 

Tribute to the great Ibn Sina

Amazing Detailing!

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Look familiar? Check my last blog post!

Before

After

Thinking hard!!

Before

After- Final touches!

Until Next Time!

Mohammed Ali- Revolutionary Graffiti Artist

"Mohammed Ali"

When i was in birmingham i had the privilege to see the murals of a great graffiti artists by the  name of Mohammed Ali.

 Mohammed Ali's art is appreciated by people of all faith and cultures and he has exhibited his canvas-art as well as created his public spiritual murals in the streets of major cities, such as New York, Chicago, Toronto, Melbourne and Dubai to name but a few.  International media ranging from CNN to Aljazeera, have reported his work as a 'bridge of understanding'between faith communities and he has become a regular media figure.

Picture i took in 2010, Small Heath, Birmingham, UK

Below are some of my favourite pieces. More of his work can be found on his website http://www.aerosolarabic.com:

Murals

Free GAZA!

Feed the Poor

Haqq - Truth

Brotherhood

Rise up!

Knowledge

Kill War

To him we shall Return

Paintings

Inspiration of the week: 

Enjoy the ride!

Drew this when i was 16!

              

Graffiti

"The Art Crime"

In my opinion graffiti is a lost ART. A negative stigma seems to surround the idea of "graffiti". City officials/law enforcement see graffiti as a form of vandalism. Originally, graffiti was used by gangs to mark their territory in ubran areas, however, in modern times, grafitti has evolved into a form of unrestricted expression of ideas and statements. Many creative designers worldwide use this form of art to deliver their message to the world. One of my favourite artists is Banksy, a famous pseudo-anonymous British artist whose works focus on topics such as politics, culture, and ethics. His art has appeared in cities around the world, i thought i'd share some of his amazing work. It's worth a look!

 

Aboriginal Contemporary Art

I'm currently enrolled in an "Introduction to Aboriginal Studies" course at york university which inspired me to look into Aboriginal Art.  I've always been a fan of abstract art from a young age, so when i found out about Sabina Hill, you could imagine how ecstatic i was. Her work is AMAZING!. She's putting a new twist to contemporary Modern art. Sabina collaborates with other aboriginal artists to create custom furniture inspired by Native Art.

Canadian designer Sabina Hill, in collaboration with First Nations artists, creates art, limited edition furniture and custom installations which merges the rich mythology of North West Coast aboriginal culture with a contemporary design aesthetic.

Diptych - Whale and Salmon. H 21" L 57" D 0.625" Laser cut stainless steel with stainless steel standoffs.

Eagle Panel. H 20" L 20" D 0.625" Laser cut stainless steel and stainless steel standoffs.

See more of Sabina Hill's work at: http://www.sabinahill.com