Posted earlier, the Ismaili Councils for Canada and British Columbia, presented a gift — an artwork “Bismillah Raven” — to the Governor General Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean. The gift represents a multiplicity of expressions and the coming together of two cultures. Below find the image with more detailed information.
This piece represents the coming together of two cultures, two belief systems, two ways of art making. In the Squamish tradition, Raven, a wise trickster who keeps human kind on their toes, represents the Creator. Raven is drawn abstractly in a distinct style using ovoids and colours found in the West Coast of Canada. In Islamic tradition, Allah’s voice is represented in calligraphy formed into geometric or abstract animal shapes. Bismillah Raven is Raven meets Allah, Squamish Nation meets Ismaili Muslim through art. And the meeting, so far, has been harmonious.
Independent, civil society media featuring Ismaili Muslim community, inter and intra faith endeavors, achievements and humanitarian works.
View all posts by ismailimail
Accolades to Sherazad Jamal for finding a way to acknowledge a way where two cultures can meet. Awesome symbol for cultural and religious pluralism. The role of a gifted artist to bring people together is completely and fully appreciated. Thanks.
Love, light and shadow,
Jalaledin
Ismailimail 
Thanks, very interesting information.
LikeLike
Congratulations to artist Sherazad Jamal! The Bismillah Raven is truly marvellous! It is indeed Allah’s voice in abstract animal shapes.
LikeLike
Accolades to Sherazad Jamal for finding a way to acknowledge a way where two cultures can meet. Awesome symbol for cultural and religious pluralism. The role of a gifted artist to bring people together is completely and fully appreciated. Thanks.
Love, light and shadow,
Jalaledin
LikeLike
pluralism expressed through art. Congrats!
LikeLike