This Land – 20×24 Acrylic on Canvas
The Closing 36×48 Acrylic on Canvas
Al-Fatiha – The Opening
Size: 36×36
Acrylic on Canvas
Year of completion: 2022
description: Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, is a profound prayer for guidance, mercy, and divine connection, recited in every Islamic prayer, expressing the soul’s connection to the Creator and the path to righteousness
Allah Hoo – “God, Just He!
Acrylic on Canvas diptych 40×36
Allah Hoo is a dhikr (repeatedly remembering God)
A poem by Iraqi
“in this love
spilling over and over
there are
such wonders”
The Divine Protection
Acrylic Ink with resin and gold leaf on Canvas 48×60
Acrylic on Canvas 36×48
A prayer “Rabbi Zidni Ilma” from the Quran 20:114
meaning ” Increase me in Knowledge ” – Written 13 times in the shape of a whirling dervish. A Sufi traditional practice to gain the closeness of the Divine in the light of heart and soul.
titled on a Rumi’s Poem;
” The light inside the heart’s light
is the light of God.”
The Royal Rejection (winner of the ArtRich People Choice Award 2021)
Acrylic Ink on Canvas 30X48
The rejection could be as royal as acceptance.
Ilm -o-Amal – Acrylic on Canvas 20 x 24
The prayer in Arabic, Rabi Zidni Ilma (My Lord increase my knowledge)
written in Arabic is combined with a popular prayer poem in Urdu
by famous philosopher and poet of the East, Allama Iqbal;
Lab py at hy dua ban ka tamna meri –
Zindagi Shmma ki Soorat ho Khudya Meri
(My longing comes to my lips in supplication of mine
O, God! May like the candle be the life of mine!)
2: BAD TO GOOD – Acrylic on Canvas 24×24
Repel bad by that deed which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity will become as though he was a devoted friend. – Inspiring verse from the Quran, 41:34
KHALAQ – CREATION – Acrylic and ink with silver leafing on Canvas 12X36
The verse about diversity is written in Arabic is from the Quran 30:22 “And of His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge”
Invisible Barrier – Acrylic, Ink, silver leafing and on Canvas 30×40
This beautiful Verse in The Quran tells about two sea connecting but not mixing – The entire chapter “ArRehman” The Compassionate is written on the painting
Absolute Need – Mohtaj
Oil, Acrylic, silver leafing and wood on Canvas – 24″ x 18
This beautiful supplication of Prophet Muses in Quran, words of Solace, “My Lord I am in absolute need of any good You send my way”.
Palace of Dreams
Oil on Canvas
It reflects the imperfection of our perfectly knitted dreams when confronted with reality. we suffer, we bleed, we cry, we mourn yet continue to build our palace of dreams to find solace and comfort for just that little moment that we are able to steal from reality to smile.
Bol – Speak: The cycle and its breaking- Acrylic on Canvas 24×36
The art for social justice. Three words that describe the cycle of sexual abuse are, Secret (raaz), Silence (Khamosh) and Shame (sharam), written in Urdu script combined with word Speak “bol” in background depicting the cycle and its breakup. Each of the three words written with colors in background that describes the state of mind and the transition. Purple is for hope and the the poem “Bol” Speak by famous poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz is written in Urdu with english translation that urges to speak up…
GOOD TREE – Acrylic and Gold leafing on Canvas 18X24
Have you not considered how God presents an example, making a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches high in the sky? Quran 14:24
LOVE & US – Acrylic Ink on Canvas 15×30
Only when I really thought it’s me, the one, it was again just another fill in the blank… – I’m your mirror and I’m your reflection, and we are enough, says who? – Hub (love, piyar) & tum (you)
HAROOF – Acrylic and wooden motif on Canvas 20×20
Haroof means words in Arabic. I find calligraphic writings therapeutic and healing to process feelings or emotions. Most of my calligraphy artwork is an outcome of my reflections and connection to the moment, mostly overwhelming feelings of gratitude. Finding positivity in a negatively intense moment is a hard battle. My gift of creativity keeps me focused and I remind myself to be aware of my blessings which manifests my gratitude through art to share with the universe.
ISHQ – Oil on Canvas 24X30
Dancing in rain with the love that exists deep in my heart and makes me whirl with the desire of self-annihilation – Fana Fillah
Guftgu – Conversations Acrylic on Canvas 20×24
“Soft in social exposure, Tough in the line of pursuit. But whether in fray or in social gathering, Ever chaste at heart, ever clean in conduct.” – Poetry by Allama Iqbal written in Farsi script
Acrylic and Oil on Canvas
Founder, Islamic Art of British Columbia
islamicartofbritishcolumbia.com
Nikhat Izhar Qureshi is a Richmond Arts Award recipient (Artistic Innovation & Excellence, 2023), visual artist, Arabic calligrapher, and community arts leader whose work has been exhibited in Pakistan, the United States, and Canada.
Inspired by reflection, spirituality, and the beauty of the written word, she combines contemporary artistic expression with the rich traditions of Islamic art, drawing on training in the Nastaliq and Thuluth scripts. Her calligraphy practice is rooted in religious texts and classical poetry. For Nikhat, calligraphy is both an artistic practice and a spiritual journey, a lifelong pursuit through which she seeks to connect with the Divine while sharing its beauty with others at every stage of her own learning.
After serving as Program Director of the Islamic Art Revival Series in Dallas (2012–2014), Nikhat moved to Canada in 2016. She founded the Islamic Art of British Columbia (IABC), an initiative dedicated to celebrating and promoting the artistic heritage of the Islamic world. Under her leadership, IABC presents the annual Islamic Art Experience, a growing community celebration that brings together artists, educators, performers, volunteers, community organizations, and the wider public through exhibitions, workshops, live demonstrations, and interactive activities. Presented in collaboration with the Richmond Public Library and numerous community partners, 2026 marks the fifth year of celebrating Islamic art and fostering cross-cultural understanding within the community.
In 2018, she co-founded BC Muslim Art House, uniting local Muslim artists through collaboration, education, and cross-cultural engagement. Her work has been recognized at the Hall of Honour in the British Columbia Legislature, where her painting *O Canada* was presented to the late Premier John Horgan. She is also a two-time recipient of the People’s Choice Award at the ArtRich exhibitions (2019 and 2021).
Through her work as an artist, educator, and community builder, Nikhat believes art has the power to inspire dialogue, nurture understanding, and transform communities. Guided by her passion for art, peacebuilding, and philanthropy, she continues to use creativity as a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for meaningful human connection.
Follow her journey:
instagram.com/nikhat_iq
facebook.com/MuslimArtHouse
Artwork Descriptions:
This Land – 20×24 Acrylic on Canvas
على هذه الأرض ما يستحق الحياة
words of Mahmoud Darwish “On this earth, there is what makes life worth living.”
Inspired by this famous quote, this painting is a quiet reflection on hope rooted in resilience. It speaks to the beauty that survives pain, the love that endures loss, and the sacred details that make life worthy. It is a prayer for life to return to a land that once overflowed with light, memory, and living.
The Closing – 36×48 Acrylic on Canvas
The Quran closes with 4 Qul (قُل – Say) like forming a shield, affirming faith, seeking refuge, and centering the heart in tawheed (faith)
Al-Fatiha – The opening – 36×36 Acrylic on Canvas
Year of completion: 2022
description: Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, is a profound prayer for guidance, mercy, and divine connection, recited in every Islamic prayer, expressing the soul’s connection to the Creator and the path to righteousness
Allah Hoo – “God, Just He! – Acrylic on Canvas diptych 40×36
Allah Hoo is a dhikr (repeatedly remembering God)
A poem by Iraqi
“in this love
spilling over and over
there are
such wonders”
The Divine Protection – Acrylic Ink with resin and gold leaf on Canvas 48×60
The Heart’s Light – Knowledge – Acrylic on Canvas 36×48
A prayer “Rabbi Zidni Ilma” from the Quran 20:114
meaning ” Increase me in Knowledge ” – Written 13 times in the shape of a whirling dervish. A Sufi traditional practice to gain the closeness of the Divine in the light of heart and soul.
titled on a Rumi’s Poem;
” The light inside the heart’s light
is the light of God.”
The Royal Rejection (winner of the Art Rich People Choice Award 2021)
Acrylic Ink on Canvas 30X48
The rejection could be as royal as acceptance.
Ilm -o-Amal – Acrylic on Canvas 20 x 24
The prayer in Arabic, Rabi Zidni Ilma (My Lord increase my knowledge) written in Arabic is combined with a popular prayer poem in Urdu by famous philosopher and poet of the East, Allama Iqbal:
Lab py at hy dua ban ka tamna meri –
Zindagi Shmma ki Soorat ho Khudya Meri
(My longing comes to my lips in supplication of mine
O, God! May like the candle be the life of mine!)
BAD TO GOOD – Acrylic on Canvas 24×24
Repel bad by that deed which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity will become as though he was a devoted friend. – Inspiring verse from the Quran, 41:34
KHALAQ – CREATION – Acrylic and ink with silver leafing on Canvas 12X36
The verse about diversity is written in Arabic is from the Quran 30:22 “And of His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge”
Invisible Barrier – Acrylic, Ink, silver leafing and on Canvas 30×40
This beautiful Verse in The Quran tells about two sea connecting but not mixing – The entire chapter “ArRehman” The Compassionate is written on the painting
Absolute Need – Mohtaj
Oil, Acrylic, silver leafing and wood on Canvas – 24″ x 18
This beautiful supplication of Prophet Muses in Quran, words of Solace, “My Lord I am in absolute need of any good You send my way”
Palace of Dreams – Oil on Canvas
It reflects the imperfection of our perfectly knitted dreams when confronted with reality. we suffer, we bleed, we cry, we mourn yet continue to build our palace of dreams to find solace and comfort for just that little moment that we are able to steal from reality to smile.
Bol – Speak: The cycle and its breaking – Acrylic on Canvas 24×36
The art for social justice. Three words that describe the cycle of sexual abuse are, Secret (raaz), Silence (Khamosh) and Shame (sharam), written in Urdu script combined with word Speak “bol” in background depicting the cycle and its breakup. Each of the three words written with colors in background that describes the state of mind and the transition. Purple is for hope and the the poem “Bol” Speak by famous poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz is written in Urdu with english translation that urges to speak up…
GOOD TREE – Acrylic and Gold leafing on Canvas 18X24
Have you not considered how God presents an example, making a good word like a good tree,
whose root is firmly fixed and its branches high in the sky? Quran 14:24
LOVE & US – Acrylic Ink on Canvas 15×30
Only when I really thought it’s me, the one, it was again just another fill in the blank… – I’m your mirror and I’m your reflection, and we are enough, says who? – Hub (love, piyar) & tum (you)
HAROOF – Acrylic and wooden motif on Canvas 20×20
Haroof means words in Arabic. I find calligraphic writings therapeutic and healing to process feelings or emotions. Most of my calligraphy artwork is an outcome of my reflections and connection to the moment, mostly overwhelming feelings of gratitude. Finding positivity in a negatively intense moment is a hard battle. My gift of creativity keeps me focused and I remind myself to be aware of my blessings which manifests my gratitude through art to share with the universe.
ISHQ – Oil on Canvas 24X30
Dancing in rain with the love that exists deep in my heart and makes me whirl with the desire of self-annihilation – Fana Fillah
Guftgu – Conversations Acrylic on Canvas 20×24
“Soft in social exposure, Tough in the line of pursuit. But whether in fray or in social gathering, Ever chaste at heart, ever clean in conduct.” – Poetry by Allama Iqbal written in Farsi script
