29/11/2005

MBI Al Jaber Foundation Supports ‘The Light of Hope’ Exhibition

The Light of Hope, an exhibition of works by Vaseem Mohammed, was hosted by St Botolph’s Church from 15th – 29th November. Through the collaboration of the MBI Al Jaber Foundation, the artist and the church, art was used in an interfaith context in order to build bridges between various communities. This exhibition stands as a beacon of hope for our common future.

"The Ruin"	"The Transient"

Vaseem grew up in the East End of London within sight of St. Botolph’s and attended its youth club. The Church, therefore, seemed a natural place to show his work, especially as it has stood at the crossroads of all the major waves of immigration into the UK. Vaseem was always interested in the shapes, textures and atmospheres of his urban upbringing, and he developed this fascination by choosing to study art during his mid-twenties. He attended Tower Hamlets College, taking courses in Art and Design, and Creative Computing and Illustration. After doing freelance work in graphic design, furniture renovation and decoration (using Islamic pattern), he then decided to concentrate on fine art.

For Vaseem, his artworks are ‘a private, nostalgic and introvert gesture to the outside arena, containing themes that often evoke personal and internal appreciation from the viewer’. Yet the paintings relate to the wider world today ‘hybrid identities, diasporic culture fusions and post-modern eclecticism’.

The exhibition was sponsored by the MBI Al Jaber Foundation where, through educational and cultural activities, we aim to make and strengthen links between cultures. This exhibition is a very tangible example of mutual appreciation and respect across cultures.

For further information, please contact:
Director Public Relations
[email protected]