Ahmed Jamal Qureshi

Norway, visual art

Ahmed Jamal Qureshi (b. 1976) is a visual artist focused on blending Latter-day Saint themes with classical Islamic arts. Born in Denver, Colorado to parents from Pakistan and Norway, raised between Saudi Arabia and the Intermountain West, and now living in the world’s northernmost town of Longyearbyen on Norway’s Svalbard islands. He is one of the rare LDS artists in the very small pond known to a few Saints and Muslims as the “Morslim” world. A world he loves sharing with the body of the Saints to open horizons while trying to give members from Arab and Islamic lands art that resonates with their cultural world.

His work starts from digital design tools which are then brought into physical media for a select and growing number of pieces. He employs the three classical elements of Islamic design or zakhrafa – calligraphy, geometry, and biomorphic elements – to give visual form to Restoration Christian concepts. A deep love of Palestine – its ancient scriptural resonance, living culture, and steadfast people – is another recurring theme close to his heart. He sees deep harmony between LDS and Islamic art. Both contain ancient Near Eastern roots and hold the sacred word in the highest regard. The Church History Museum in Salt Lake City has acquired both of his formally exhibited works, a rare distinction.