Global Perspectives and Islamic calligraphy

One gallery, two halves. This exhibition explores creativity across cultures and generations through contemporary artist fi lm and the enduring tradition of Islamic calligraphy.

Divided into two complementary displays, the gallery brings together international voices from the collection of Art Jameel alongside works from Bradford District Museums & Galleries’ own collection. Together they highlight how artists respond to the world around them, from global social change to centuries-old artistic traditions.

Global Perspectives:
This section presents a rotating programme of short films by contemporary artists from the Art Jameel collection. Each film offers a different window into life, culture and change across the Middle East and beyond.

Artists featured include Ahmed Mater, Mounir Fatmi, Sophia Al-Maria, Mohammad Alfaraj and Nadim Choufi . Their works explore themes including migration, urban transformation, consumer culture, ecology and imagined futures.

Across the programme, artists experiment with documentary, digital environments and conceptual storytelling to reflect on how globalisation, technology and environmental change are reshaping everyday life.

Films will rotate throughout the year, offering visitors the chance to encounter new works on return visits.

Islamic Calligraphy:
The second half of the gallery explores the beauty, skill and continuing relevance of Islamic calligraphy.

Inspired by the 2025 exhibition Fighting to Be Heard, developed with the British Library and Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy during Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture, this display draws primarily from Bradford District Museums & Galleries’ collection. The works reflect both historic traditions and contemporary interpretations of calligraphy.

Visitors will see examples created using a range of materials and techniques, from traditional ink on paper to works on glass, amulets and modern experimental formats. The display includes work by artists such as Anwar Jamal Shemza, Shahzia Sikander, Imran Qureshi, Laila Rahman and renowned calligrapher Haji Noor Deen, alongside a specially commissioned holographic piece by Soraya Syed.