‘Laal Lale (Red Tulips)’ and ‘Paradise Garden‘ are the result of a collaboration between Hounslow Asian and African Youth Association (HAAYA), a Muslim mother and toddlers’ group, and artist Nava Ahmed.
Together they have created a series of tiles inspired by the Persian, Arabic and Turkish design influences found in the carpets and wallpaper at Chiswick House and beautiful Kitchen Gardens.
Sana Soomro from HAAYA said:
As Muslim mothers, being able to commit to and create these pieces was incredible. Through art, we were able to come together as women and as artists, learning about our historical influences and ultimately ourselves.
‘Laal’ is the colour red in Urdu. ‘Lale’ is the Turkish name for tulips and is also derived from the same Turkish word for turban. The stylised Islamic tile design for Laal Lale, on display in the Red Velvet Room inside Chiswick House, drew inspiration from Turkish Iznick tiles, the beautiful tulips flowering in the Kitchen Garden in early May and the repeated ‘arabesque’ wallpaper pattern in the Red Velvet room.
‘Paradise Garden,’ on display in the Conservatory is an artistic response to the beauty of the walled Kitchen Garden at Chiswick House & Gardens. The original layout of the Kitchen Garden was inspired by Persian walled gardens. The word ‘Paradise’ is derived from the Old Persian ‘pairidaeza’, meaning ‘enclosed garden’. The projects stylised Islamic tile designs reflect the symmetry, colours and flowers found in the Kitchen Garden.
Artist Nava Ahmed said:
The Iznik tile project with HAAYA was a true inspiration of the beauty of the Kitchen Gardens at Chiswick House & Gardens. It was a joy to see the florals and design their stylised forms in Islamic Art for the project. The HAAYA ladies worked passionately on their tiles and completed them to such a high standard. It was my absolute pleasure working with them and their lovely children.
‘Laal Lale (Red Tulips)’ is on display in the Red Velvet Room in the House and ‘Paradise Garden‘ is in the Conservatory and is included in admission for Chiswick House and Kitchen Garden. Open Thursday-Sunday, 11am-4pm), until 1 October 2023. Book tickets.
About Nava Ahmed
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, London-based artist Nava Ahmed started painting as a child and was inspired by the culture and beauty around her. She specialises in watercolour florals and has an avid interest in Islamic Art of Illumination (Tehzip). She particularly enjoys depicting the play of light and different hues capturing the intricate delicacy and vivid colours of flowers on paper.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Nava immersed herself in Islamic Art and engaged in several courses with the Prince’s School of Traditional Art. She combined her passion for florals with the stylised Islamic Art florals and biomorphic forms and developed her own artistic style with florals and calligraphy.
Nava is a well-regarded art tutor and offers art workshops for adults and children at all levels. She continues to research and study to expand her knowledge and skills and works on community outreach projects locally and online. She regularly exhibits with the Tadworth Art Group and her next exhibit is with Art Surrey at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in October 2023.
Website: https://theartandcakestudio.com/
The Heart of Design is kindly supported by Art Fund and The Linbury Trust.
