NEW YORK – New York gallerist Jane Kahan has commissioned world-renowned Islamic artist Ahmed Moustafa to create an important new Aubusson tapestry.
“Frolicking Horses” will make its debut at ART ANTIQUES LONDON, which will return for its third year to a specially built pavilion across from the Royal Albert Hall June 13 – 20th, 2012.
Ahmed Moustafa is a unique artist who bridges numerous different worlds. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he studied classical painting and design techniques before Islamic calligraphy inspired him to a new – yet traditional and timeless – vision.
Moustafa’s works were presented as the first exhibition by a Muslim artist in the Vatican and appear in numerous museum collections including the British Museum, London; the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford; and the Museum of Modern Arts, Alexandria. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented a specially commissioned composition by Ahmed Moustafa as a gift to Pakistan to mark the occasion of that nation’s 50th anniversary. A related tapestry by Ahmed Moustafa hangs in the Museum of Tapestry, Aubusson, the premier museum of its type in the world.
The Jane Kahan Gallery was established in 1973 and still occupies its original space on Madison Avenue in New York. Specializing in all forms of Modern Art, it has become internationally known in recent years for its collection of rare modern tapestries by such masters as Picasso, Miro, Chagall, Leger, Calder and many others.
Since both Jane Kahan and Ahmed Moustafa have had long associations with the Pinton tapestry atelier in Felletin, France, a tapestry collaboration seemed a natural progression. Moustafa’s tapestries, woven by Pinton, already grace public spaces in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Luxembourg.
“Ahmed Moustafa has been deeply influenced by his Islamic heritage, but like many world-class artists his vision transcends mere labels,” says gallerist Jane Kahan. “In his art can be found not only the deepest spirituality, but the universal power of culture, understanding and beauty. To me he is simply a great artist whose work has earned its place to hang alongside that of Chagall, Picasso and the other great artists who have expressed themselves in tapestry.”