Shaheen Ahmed (She/her)
Artist Biography
Shaheen's journey began with a Diploma in Art & Design in her hometown of Burnley. She gained a BA (Hons) in Art at Bournville School of Art (BCU) and specialized studies in bookbinding and gestural mark-making in Arezzo and Rome. From her first exhibition at Soni Gallery in London to a residency at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, her career has spanned global projects with the British Council, The Paul Mellon Award, and the National Trust UK.
Shaheen creates paper sculptures in response to global catastrophes. By slicing, combining, and layering old maps with geometric patterns, ink, and stitch, her dissected maps reimagine borders to highlight shared human experiences, empathy, and connection.
Currently, Shaheen is painting in her studio and finding inspiration on her travels.
Biographical text written by @layalistudio._
About the artwork
Primordial Sanctuary (2015)
Whilst reading a Sufi book on art and architecture, I was deeply moved by the concept of Primordial Earth as a sanctuary for every living creature. Reflecting on this idea alongside my own experiences of the world, I began creating this piece—sketching, dissecting, and reassembling maps to explore themes of space, structure, and belonging.
By overlaying a global map with geometric, tent-like structures, the act of deconstructing and rebuilding became deeply cathartic. Metaphorically, I was carving out spaces of refuge for the downtrodden and the displaced. Stretching these geometric forms across both land and sea allows me to confront the devastating environmental and human impact on our planet.
My handcrafted Islamic geometric patterns form rows that create unity and collective semblance. I use my craft to instill a sense of calm and order, aiming to symbolically heal the tectonic ruptures within our global community, offering shared spaces rooted in empathy and justice.