Salaam,

I want to invited you....to check out my sculptures at this coming art show in Manhattan!

Press Release: New York, July 8th 2008- "Open to Interpretation" explores the various directions that emerging artists have taken with the concept of Islamic Art. There will be two receptions, an opening on July 8th 6-9 and a gallery reception on July 10th 6-9.

The works are as traditional as calligraphy, as interpretive as a miniature on a story from the Torah, or as abstract as the concept of Nur (light). The artists in the exhibit include Mona Kamal, Marium Saifee, Shifaz Usman, Huma Gul, Eric Wenger, Fareen Butt, Asma Shikoh, Mumtaz Husein, Siona Benjamin, Mashkoor Raza, and Mo Shah.

The show encompasses three categories: calligraphy, figurative and abstract. The "calligraphists" include Sarwar, Huma Gul, Eric Wenger, and Mumtaz Husein. These artists have taken written verses from the Koran and created pieces representing interpreted emotion, connotation, and literal meaning. The mediums range from mosaic to steel sculpture and capture the verses in both essence and form. The figurative artists include Siona Benjamin, Asma Shikoh, and Mo Shah. Their works depict decision and anguish upon an individual's spiritual journey. Finally, the abstract artists include Fareen Butt and Mashkoor Raza, whose works have a more metaphysical leaning.

Works will be on view from July 8-14 at A.I.R Gallery, 511 W25th Street #303 in the Chelsea district of New York City. Gallery