DHIKR – Painting the heartbeat of Sufism

Dhikr is the rhythmic repetition in remembrance of the Creator. This body of new paintings examines the line between faith and musical expression. The artworks question corporeal representation, what is permissible in hermeneutic theory and asks whether there is a space for the unseen and indefinable.

By researching the likes of Mowlana Jalaluddin Rumi, Shamsuddin Muhammad Hafiz and Amir Khusrow, Saif traces the communality and increasing separation of Islamic teaching from popular Sufi poetry, songs and artistic discourse.

Saif Osmani is an interdisciplinary visual artist of British-Bangladeshi background who has previously curated and exhibited his works across the UK, in Europe and in Asia.

‘Dhikr’ is a free exhibition at Barbican Music Library.


SUFI NIGHT: cultural evening on Wednesday 16th August, 6.30pm

A special cultural evening will accompany the exhibition ‘Dhikr’ on Wednesday 16th August 2017, featuring live music from Zayn Mohammed, storytelling from Alice Fernbank and poetry from Khaled Hakim:

‘Sufi Night’: 7 – 9pm [doors open 6.30pm] - Tickets are £7 (concessions at £5), available from the Music Library or online.

For further information about the artist, visit: saifosmani.com