[ad_1]

Equipped with vibrant cotton thread and wooden panels, Nosheen Iqbal stitches sculptural embroideries that draw on her Pakistani and Islamic heritage. Architectural arabesques and Punjabi craft traditions influence her mixed-media motifs, including phulkari, or floral folk embroideries, and woodblock printed reliefs known as bagh.

Iqbal utilizes half-circles and semi-precious beads to add depth and visual intrigue to the works. Creating shadows and catching the light, these meticulously planned details allow a shift in perspective depending on the viewer’s position. The sweeping lines of color create “saturated pathways that reveal their intensity and depth,” she adds, “allowing my work to offer a shifting experience of light, color, and connection.”

a detail image of a vibrant embroidered sculptural flower on wood

By emphasizing dimension and the interactions between materials, Iqbal hopes to push the medium in new directions while honoring broader making traditions. She says:

Craftsmanship holds a profound significance in Pakistani culture, where artistry is revered as a lifelong discipline that shapes identity and community. This respect for meticulous craftsmanship is integral to my own practice. By selecting thoughtful materials—wood, semi-precious beads, and thread—I aim to honor this tradition. Each piece is a reflection of this cultural value, merging refined textures with precision to invite a tactile, immersive experience for the viewer.

Born in London, Iqbal lives and works in Dallas and recently left a long career in design and art direction to become an artist full-time. You can find available pieces on her website and follow her work on Instagram.

a diamond shaped panel with vibrant patchwork border and a sculptural embroidered flower at the center
a floral embroidery in greens and blues on a wooden panel
a wooden panel with a curved top edge. an embroidered patchwork is on the left side and sculptural embroidered leaves are on the right
a detail image of embroidered sculptures with small wooden pieces and beads to create dimension
a vibrant embroidered sculptural flower on wood oval panel. the thread is mostly shades of oranges and reds
a diamond shaped panel with vibrant patchwork border and a sculptural embroidered flower at the center
a trio of vibrant embroidered sculptural flowers on wood oval panels. two of the larger works contain a patchwork int he center of two halved flowers, while the smaller is a perfectly round bloom



[ad_2]

Source link