Growing up in the East End Vaseem has always been interested in shapes, textures and atmospheres of his urban childhood. This fascination developed into a vocational interest in art during his mid twenties when he enrolled at Tower Hamlets College to do access courses in Art & Design, Graphics and Creative Computing & Illustration. He then freelanced in graphic design and furniture renovation with Islamic inspired decoration, through which he found his niche in fine art which he has concentrated on for the past 11 years. Vaseem launched his work at Spitalfields market in the east end of London, and remained there for 4 years before moving on to open his own gallery nearby, in the creative hub of Cheshire Street E1. He has regularly exhibited his work, and continues to do so. 

Over the years Vaseem's work has evolved, always picking up and shedding influences, yet his most distinctive feature appears to be ever-present, namely his childhood appreciation of form, colour, and texture. Additionally, there appears to be a recurring symbolism of juxtaposition

archaic eastern architecture and Islamic calligraphy from past eras, confronts modernist, (predominately) western abstract style of painting

the rich beauty of the natural world through vibrant opalescent colours and awing space, contrasted against the weary deterioration and irresponsibility of humanity's world

the vastness of the mind through the glory of knowledge, encapsulated in the written word; the challenge between the sacred and the profane

The meetings, differences of our inner and outer existences; isolation and community, poignancy and joy, emotions and facades, differences in creed, values, history and ideology but still turning to a Higher Being.

Manifest in Vaseem's work is an essence of Islamic heritage and an absence of animate images. The latter was the result of a conscious decision by him to abstain from drawing living figures in accordance to the Islamic tradition. Rather than being restrictive, it opened many avenues of experimentation for Vaseem, challengingly urging him to express his ideas through visual abstract eloquence. Also, newly included into his family of work is sculpture.

For Vaseem, his work is a private, nostalgic and introvert gesture to the outside arena. But despite the perceptible intimate individualism in these paintings there is a context that relates the work to the wider condition of the world today, that of hybrid identities, diasporic culture fusions and post-modern eclecticism. It contains themes that often evoke personal and internal appreciation from the viewer. One collector describes that it speaks to me of the essence of relationships but it is the rising spirit that remains a constant hallmark throughout your work.

After moving to the quiet of the suburbs, these days Vaseem works on commissions as well as private work. Distinguished projects include: painting an 8 piece collection for an MBI international private jet; producing Qur'anic manuscript props for a forthcoming film, Red-light Runners (Directed by Michael Madsen ); designing/producing an Islamic interior & installation of panels for a new prayer room at Central Foundation Girls school, Mile End. Diversification, fatherhood and changes in personal space have all affected Vaseem's work, yet the previously mentioned elements and themes are all still ever present in different personas.

Whether for implicative appreciation of deciphering the contents, or simply for an aesthetically pleasing view, we hope you enjoy the art.

Written by Ayesha Ahmad ©2008