Aqsa Hashmi (CV)

Aqsa Hashmi is a Chicago based Artist. Her art journey began as a hobby more than a decade ago in Karachi, Pakistan where she was born and raised. Her cultural and environmental science background inspired her earliest paintings which included landscapes and Arabic calligraphy.

Aqsa moved to the United States in 2013 and saw a whole new world of art and possibilities in her new and diverse environment. Transitioning to motherhood as an immigrant in the US, she started exploring her spiritualty. She went on to learn traditional Arabic Calligraphy under a renowned classic calligrapher.

Aqsa is mastering an Arabic Calligraphy script called Thuluth. Some of her work was inspired by her love of colors and holy symbols and is comprised of verses and quotes from the Islamic Holy Book, the Quran. She also creates Islamic Illumination art on Canvases and Synthetic boards using Alcohol inks and Acrylic Paints.

Artist Statement

Aqsa’s creations represent the Islamic essence and uphold her proud Muslim identity. Her dream is to build bridges between all faiths and invite people to explore the beauty of her religion Islam through her art. She wants her work to serve as a reminder for people of any faith and background about gratefulness and the hope that Islam represents.