Islamic Art Exhibition held in Saanich, Victoria, Canada.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SAANICH — Exhibition Islamic art held in Saanich, Victoria, Canada. As reported Iqna.ir Monday (8/1/2022) Saanich residents enthusiastically gathered outside Saanich City Hall for the opening Islamic Art Exhibition on Wednesday (27/7/2022). The Islamic art exhibition will continue until September 5.

The Islamic art exhibition was organized in collaboration with Voices for Muslim Women, an organization that actively works to fight racism and discrimination by creating opportunities for education and cultural expression with Al-Fatiha, an organization which aims to increase the representation of Islam and foster a greater sense of belonging among Muslims living around Greater Victoria.

“The exhibition is called Al-Fatihah, which is the first surah of the Quran, which means opening,” said organizer Asiyah Robinson.

“We’ve taken both paths. It opens the public to Muslim contributions to art, but we also hope this exhibition won’t be the last of its kind. We want to start an open-minded conversation based on more than just just negative stereotypes. I think that was really his intention,” he said.

He said the casting was part of a larger effort to create a more welcoming and inclusive space for one of the demographics. Canada fastest growing. Robinson, along with Zaheera Jinnah and her colleagues, called on the mayors of Saanich and Victoria to implement recommendations to help address the growing problem of Islamophobia. These recommendations cover several areas, from advice on police reform to increased funding for the arts.

The exhibition features artwork created by Muslim women from across the province and explores key themes in Islamic tradition and Muslim practice such as prayer, identity, belonging, resilience, spirituality and new beginnings.

Robinson said the Islamic art exhibit was not restricted to those who practice Islam or identify as Muslim. But the exhibition also speaks to the wider community, especially those from other marginalized and underrepresented groups. Therefore, he invited members of various religious communities to participate.

“We want to make sure it’s inclusive and open to everyone. We not only want Muslims to see themselves in this, but also other people, other communities and other groups,” Robinson said.

“Whatever you identify, we hope you can come here and say, this is what I want to do for my community as well,” said Andrian Saputra.