A new body of work exploring Al-Busiri's Burda is currently underway in the studio; the next chapter in this ongoing exploration of my Islamic spiritual heritage and the wider Arabic literary tradition.
All works available by enquiry - price upon request.
HU 2020
(PRIVATE COLLECTION)
AL-RAHMAN 2019 — acrylic on canvas
GUARDIAN 2024 / 1445 H
Al-KARIM 2019 — acrylic on canvas
COMING HOME 2024 / 1445 H
(SOLD)
ETERNAL GRATITUDE 2021
THE CAVE 2020 — acrylic on panel
LIGHT UPON LIGHT 2020
(SOLD)
REALITY 2020
OMNIPOTENT 2020
PERPETUAL 2023
PRIMORDIAL WATERS 2020
REVIVE 2024 / 1446 H
ETERNAL 2020
(SOLD)
BALMY MEADOW 2021 — acrylic on panel
COMPASSION 2020
SUBLIME PRESENCE 2020 — acrylic on panel
(SOLD)
UNVEILING TRUTH 2021
FORBEARANCE 2020
LOVE IN ROSE 2020
(SOLD)
NEW BEGINNINGS 2021
NURTURE 2021
REVEALED 2021 — acrylic on panel
How the Collection Took Shape
The Hu series emerged during the Covid-19 lockdown, a period that felt to me like a call to slow down. I've always been drawn to the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. Each painting is a meditation on one of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah (Asma’ Allah Al Husna in Arabic) - a way of reflecting on those qualities rather than letting them slip by unnoticed.
Each painting in the Hu Collection begins on wood panel, a surface that suits collage and mixed media and the intuitive way I like to work. I scrape back paint, layer oil sticks and pastels into the acrylic, work stamps and transfers into the surface, and finish with wax for depth. The collection took real shape in 2020 - a stretch of uninterrupted studio time let me return to painting more seriously and with more presence than at any point since I started in 2015.
Art that Carries Meaning Beyond the Surface
My intention is to eventually paint all 99 Names - each painting a study of a different quality of the Divine. It's a project I expect to spend years on, one artwork at a time, forming a cohesive collection of original paintings for collectors. Each painting is infused with deep symbolism, inviting you to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
A PERSONAL QUEST PAINTING BY PAINTING
This body of work emerged out of a personal spiritual quest.
The ninety nine Beautiful Names of Allah have captivated my imagination and soul for many years. Expressing my faith through my art has been an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience for me. It has allowed me to delve deeper into my own spirituality and develop a richer understanding and appreciation of the mysteries of the Divine as well as our very rich spiritual heritage and history. Learn more about my journey.
Some of the Beautiful Names of Allah that Appear in My Art
Al-Rahim: The Most Compassionate
Al-Aziz: The Powerful
Al-Latif: The Tender
Al-Wadud: The endlessly Loving
Al-Hay: The Living
Al-Samad: The Eternal
Al-Zahir: The Manifested
Al-Afuw: The One who forgives
Al-Nur: The Divine Light
Al-Shafi: The Healer
LAYERED ART
Mixed media art that reflects on my Islamic mystical tradition.
Al-Batin - The Hidden
Al-Batin is the 76th of the 99 Names. It means the Hidden, or the One who is veiled - not absent, but beyond direct sight. The Noble Quran describes Him as closer to us than our jugular vein:
“We indeed created man; and We know what his soul whispers within him, and We are nearer to him than the jugular vein..”
Kind Words from Art Collectors
Sublime Presence - mixed media on panel
“I am the very fortunate owner of this painting. It has added so much love, peace and acceptance to the ambiance of my home. Every time I glance at it, it fills my heart with love. Thank you dearest. ”
Eternal - mixed media on panel
“This painting (Sublime Presence) conveys a feeling of peace and serenity. It is just so beautiful and truly touches my soul. It did so from the first moment I saw it. It’s difficult to explain why exactly, but I think the combination of the animal and tree in the depth of night with the Arabic calligraphy, and the wonderful mix of colours, together have a calming effect and inspire something deeply spiritual. There is a gentleness and a tenderness about this painting that are soothing in these turbulent times. Thank-you Sara. A beautiful piece of art ❤”
Love in Rose - mixed media on panel
“I’ve been following your artistic journey for quite some time, and I’ve always admired the way you explore different styles and subjects . Each piece feels unique and thoughtful.
The painting I purchased truly spoke to me - especially because of its calligraphy, which is something I deeply love and connect with. The vibrant colors bring it to life in such a beautiful way.
Thank you for creating something so meaningful. I feel lucky to have a piece of your art in my home .”
Paintings for the Contemplative Home
Each piece in this collection began as a meditation on one of the 99 Beautiful Names. The collection takes its bearings from a single verse:
“Verily in remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
Quran [13:28] Pickthall
These paintings are made for a home where there's room to sit with something, rather than simply look at it.
The 99 Names, Painted for Everyday Life
Many collectors choose to hang these in a meditation or prayer room, somewhere they'll pass daily. Others give them as gifts - to mark a milestone, or simply because a particular Name felt right for someone in mind.
INSPIRED BY THIS POEM
I shall roll up the carpet of life when I see,
Thy dear face again and shall cease to be
For self will be lost in that rapture, and all
The threads of my thought from my hand will fall;
Not me wilt thou find, for this self will have fled:
Thou wilt be my soul in mine own soul’s stead.
All thought of self will be swept from my mind,
And thee only thee, in my place shall I find;
More precious than heaven, than earth more dear,
Myself were forgotten if thou wert near.
- JAMI
Original Works from the Hu Collection
Every artwork ships framed, wherever in the world you are, so there's nothing further to arrange before it's on your wall. Hang one alone or bring a few together, each finds its own quiet presence in a room.