From: Islamic Human Rights Commission

26 September 2017

PRESS RELEASE – UK: A Journey of Love exhibition launch – 26 September 2017

In September 2017 IHRC will be launching its new exhibition featuring the work of renowned artist and activist Mohammad Hamza – the founder of Intifada Street. The ‘A Journey of Love’ exhibition illuminates the message and expedition of Imam Hussain (AS) to Karbala in 680. The artwork explores many themes such as the Imam’s stance against oppression, injustice and tyranny as well as his ultimate sacrifice.

‘A Journey of Love’ crystallises the human and aspirational traits of Imam Hussain – love, beauty, truth and freedom. Hamza’s understanding of Imam Hussain was as a result of his journey back to his faith. His interaction with the figure was at a time when he questioned his theological background and the historical imprint he was born into. His own context informs the art produced and his depiction of Imam Hussain.

Imam Hussain was a figure who stood against oppression and tyranny and Hamza pays tribute to the sacrifices he made throughout his life. At the centre of the exhibition is the theme of love and what it means to be consumed by it. Hamza describes his art as “a labour of love” as it is not always easy to tackle issues that are unpopular and complex. He aims for the exhibition to shed a light on the ultimate sacrifice of the Ahlulbayt (as) in Karbala; the testament of their brotherhood and the patience they maintained in even in the harshest of times.

Mohammad Hamza is an independent activist, Bradford born-based artist, and the founder of Intifada Street. Intifada Street is an art company which strives to bring existence to some of the best artwork, which reflects Hamza’s distinctive soul. This is artwork that attempts to reflect the struggling and oppressive cries around the world. Hamza’s personal heroes are also signified through his artwork, and his pro-Palestine stance is clearly shown

Notes to editors:

– The exhibition launches on Tuesday, 26 September 2017

– The exhibition is FREE

– The IHRC bookshop and gallery (202 Preston Road, Wembley, HA9 8PA) is open on Monday – Friday from 10am – 6pm and on Saturdays from 10am – 5pm

– For media enquiries, interviews or image requests please contact nadia@ihrc.org

About IHRC:

The Islamic Human Rights Commission was set up in 1997 and works with different organizations from Muslim and non-Muslim backgrounds, to campaign for justice for all peoples regardless of their racial, confessional or political background. The IHRC Bookshop & Gallery was launched in 2010. The bookshop holds a range of interdisciplinary publications including new, used and rare books. The gallery space has showcased various artists and their work has been available for purchase in the shop. The gallery provides a space for exhibitions on themes relevant to IHRC’s field of work.

In the past the IHRC Gallery has hosted the likes of Mamade Kadreebux, Naazish Chouglay of Labbaik Arts and the creators of OOMK Zine among others. Head of Research, Arzu Merali, states that part of IHRC’s philosophy has been has been “breaking down divisions between culture, law and politics, we are out there working for justice. I think some cultural aspects of our existence are not emphasised enough, there are many reasons for that, but where you can seek solace and gain inspiration, it’s all part of healing and important to focus on.”

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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org
Twitter @ihrc