Saliha Hanif and Asma Mehmood give Islamic art a contemporary character
- Last updated: January 1, 2026 | 10:39 ..
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Saliha Hanif and Asma Mehmood are artists of Pakistani origin, based in Dubai, represented by OneFourArt Gallery, a Dubai-based contemporary Islamic art gallery founded by the artists themselves. Saliha is a visual artist with over 15 years of experience, specialising in contemporary Arabic calligraphy and abstract Islamic art. Drawing inspiration from spiritual narratives,with expertise in layered symbolism and an aficionado of the interplay of colour and form, her artworks aim to create meditative artistic experiences.
“My works reflect my ongoing exploration of contemporary Arabic calligraphy and abstract Islamic art,” she says. “Each piece embodies my fascination with spiritual narratives and I express them through layered symbolism. My practice integrates handmade techniques with contemporary aesthetics, aiming to create contemplative visual experiences.”
Saliha specialises in blending traditional Arabic calligraphy with modern abstract forms, inspired by spiritual reflection and prayer. Besides using layered compositions extensively, she focuses on vibrant colour palettes, striving for meaningful symbolism through them. She also combines her artistic practice with environmental consciousness, which is reinforced by handcrafted methodologies.
Selected exhibitions and collaborations include presentations at DIFC Art Nights 2025, group exhibition; World Art Dubai; Reem Art Gallery, group exhibition; Cube Arts Gallery, group exhibition; and collaborations with interior design showrooms like Domus Artis and Maro Home.
“The highly anticipated 19th edition of DIFC Art Nights,” Saliha recalls, “transformed DIFC into a vibrant hub of creativity. This year, we welcomed extraordinary works across diverse mediums, including visual arts, sculptures, photography, design, murals, interactive workshops, panel talks and live music, culminating in an unforgettable celebration of artistic expression!” She offered Layered Reflections at DIFC, a composition in mixed media on glass.
“This series,” she says, “consists of four multi-layered artworks created through a combination of digital and manual processes. Each piece is printed on transparent glass, allowing visual depth and interplay between foreground and background elements.
“The artworks were mounted in custom frames, emphasising both the physical layering and the conceptual dialogue between opacity and translucency. The series was showcased at DIFC Art Nights for five consecutive days, engaging viewers with its spatial qualities and shifting visual perception, as they moved around the works. The installation aimed to blur boundaries between materiality and memory, using glass as both medium and metaphor.”
A solo booth exhibition followed at World Art Dubai 2025. “In this major showcase,” she says, “over 30 original works were exhibited, as part of an independent solo booth. The curated collection included paintings and mixed media pieces that reflected a broad spectrum of themes and techniques, highlighting my evolving visual language.
“The booth attracted significant attention from collectors, curators, and visitors, creating a strong platform not only for exposure, but also for direct sales. This presence strengthened my commitment to establishing a visible and engaging artistic identity in the region’s growing contemporary art scene.” On participation in group exhibitions, Saliha says that the Reem Art Gallery show had a selection of original works exploring themes of identity, layering, and visual perception. “The displayed pieces reflected a blend of material experimentation and conceptual depth, contributing to the collective narrative of the show. This exhibition provided an opportunity to engage with a wider artistic community and present work alongside fellow contemporary artists in a shared creative dialogue.”
Asma Mehmood has an M.A. in Fine Arts (Gold Medal) from University of the Punjab, Pakistan, majoring in Muslim Architecture, Graphic Arts Techniques, Western Art History, Figure Composition and Exhibitions. With over a decade and half years of artistic practice spanning oil painting, miniature painting, calligraphy and mixed media, she brings valuable technical skills and a refined artistic vision to contemporary art. “I enjoy a challenge and strive to achieve high standards and working both in a team and individually,” she says. Major shows include DIFC Art Nights 2025, group exhibition; World Art Dubai 2025; Reem Art Gallery, group exhibition, 2025; Cube Arts Gallery, group exhibition, 2025; and collaborations with interior design showrooms Domus Artis and Maro Home.
OneFourArt is a gallery dedicated to transforming 1,400 years of Islamic calligraphic heritage into bold, modern expression. “We don’t preserve tradition by freezing it — we honour it by letting it evolve,” say its founders. “Through innovative techniques spanning digital art, 3D sculptural forms and mixed media, we re-imagine Quranic verses and Arabic calligraphy as living visual experiences that speak to today’s world. We believe Islamic art belongs in every home and space, not locked away in museums. Whether you’re drawn to the bold energy of our Pop Script collection, the dimensional depth of our 3D works, or the profound presence of our masterworks, you’ll find art that carries meaning, beauty, and the kind of energy that transforms spaces into sanctuaries. From fluid digital compositions to grand installations, OneFourArt bridges sacred lineage with modern design. Experience how contemporary artists translate spiritual heritage into the art of our time.”
According to an AI Overview, the purpose of Islamic art museums, collections or galleries, “is to showcase the rich, diverse achievements of Islamic civilisations by collecting, preserving, and interpreting priceless artifacts that tell stories of faith, science, daily life and artistic innovation, serving as cultural bridges to foster appreciation, understanding, and dialogue across different peoples and eras.” They present Islamic art, with its unique calligraphy, geometric patterns, and floral motifs, not just as aesthetic objects, but as reflections of spiritual depth, technological progress, and shared human history, adds the Overview.