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East and west influence art

30/ 7/2007

A new exhibition providing a glimpse into the vibrant and rich cultural heritage of arts from South Asia has been launched at the Waterside Arts Centre in Manchester.

The work has been provided by five British Asian artists from Greater Manchester; Muiz Al Khattat, Gulnar Banoo, Samsul Islam, Monir Ali and Sadia Khan who fuse western and traditional art forms creating modern interpretations of calligraphy on ceramics and canvas.

The exhibition, United Through Heritage, also includes a collection of prints by Manchester based photographer, Monir Ali which deal with themes of culture, identity, and heritage.

The photographs were taken over a period of three years and explore the way Asian Muslims define themselves based on their inherited culture, and how that reflects on the wider community.

This is part of a project called "identity" which looks at ways migrant communities maintain and retain their cultural heritage in a cosmopolitan society.

Exhibitions curator Robina Sheikh has been working on the project for over a year.

She said: "United Through Heritage highlights the wealth of creative talent within the Asian communities and I am pleased that with the support of the Waterside Arts Centre, and Rosie Scott, the deputy arts centre manager we have been able to showcase the work."

The exhibition runs through to the 29 September 2007, at the Lauriston Gallery Waterside Arts Centre, Trafford. Entry is free.