12+
Years developing an Islamic papercutting practice
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About
Tusif Ahmad
Australian-based Islamic paper-cutting artist, curator, and creative technologist working from Perth.
Tusif creates intricate Islamic paper-cutting artworks that bring Quranic text, geometry, calligraphy, and cultural memory into layered contemporary compositions.
1987
First solo exhibition at Rawalpindi Arts Council
15+
Solo exhibitions across Australia, Pakistan, the UAE, Cyprus, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia
6m x 4m
Permanent installation at Australian Islamic College in Perth
Practice
A visual manuscript in paper
Artist Statement
Tusif Ahmad transforms Quranic verses and Islamic heritage into intricate, multi-layered paper compositions that blend geometry, calligraphy, symbolism, and storytelling. Through meticulous cutting and architectural precision, his work invites contemplation, reconnects audiences with faith and tradition, and builds bridges between communities. Central to his practice is the idea that Islamic art is not only decoration, but a carrier of meaning. Each piece is approached like a visual manuscript, where every layer, cut, and negative space is intentional, and where light and shadow become part of the message. Alongside his studio practice, Tusif develops exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and digital systems that support archiving, interpretation, and public engagement. His work brings together art, education, and technology while protecting authenticity and cultural depth.
Background
Growing up in Pakistan, Tusif learned under Sadequain. After moving to Australia in 2006, he developed a globally recognised paper-cutting practice focused on Islamic stories, shared human values, and meaningful cultural exchange.
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Practice: Islamic papercutting, jewellery design, exhibitions, workshops, and commissions
Focus: Quranic text, sacred geometry, calligraphy, and cultural storytelling
Resume
Selected career record
A concise public resume covering awards, commissions, solo exhibitions, group exhibitions, and teaching history from the old site archive.
Recognition
Awards & Contributions
2022
Finalist, Australian Muslim Achievement Awards
2022
Permanent installation, Australian Islamic College - Perth
Large-scale 6m x 4m artwork installation.
2021
2nd Prize, Art for The Love of Muhammad (PBUH)
Islamic Arts Society, Houston
2021
Commissioned artwork
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
2019
Artwork acquisition
International Museum of Muslim Cultures
2019
Auctioned artwork
The Concordia Forum, Canada
2018
Achievement Award
Pakistan Association of Western Australia
2018
Winner, Open Category Award
Rockingham Arts Council
2014
Highly Commended, Cossack Art Award
City of Karratha, Western Australia
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
2025
Layla.K Design Gallery
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
2023
Pakistan National Council of Arts
Pakistan
Opened by Australian Ambassador Neil Hawkins; included a papercutting workshop.
2021
Muse Art Gallery
Lahore, Pakistan
Opened by Ayaz Sadiq and Murtaza Jafri.
2019
St John Anglican Church
Fremantle, Australia
Solidarity exhibition following the Christchurch mosque attack.
2018
Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery
Perth, Australia
Opened by Stefano Carboni; represented by Professor Sameena Yasmin from the University of Western Australia.
2018
Islamic Museum of Australia
Melbourne, Australia
2018
Labyrinth Path Art Gallery
Medina, Australia
2017
COMSATS Art Gallery
Islamabad, Pakistan
Opened by Australian Ambassador Margret Adamson.
2017
Kwinana Library
Kwinana, Australia
2015
Rosewood Hotel
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opened by the Australian Ambassador to the UAE.
2013
Nomad Gallery
Islamabad, Pakistan
Opened by Peter Heyward, High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan.
2013
Mountford Gallery
Pemberton, Australia
2012
Kulcha Art Gallery
Fremantle, Australia
2002
Omikron Gallery
Larnaca, Cyprus
2002
Sultan Art Gallery
Kuwait City, Kuwait
1987
Rawalpindi Arts Council
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions
2019
The Concordia Forum
Blue Mountain, Toronto, Canada
2017
Rockingham Arts Council
Rockingham, Australia
2016
Muslim Life Style Show
London, United Kingdom
2014
Mandurah Art Awards
Mandurah, Australia
2014
Cossack Art Award
City of Karratha, Australia
2013
Mandurah Art Awards
Mandurah, Australia
2012
Mandurah Art Awards
Mandurah, Australia
2012
Gadfly Gallery
Perth, Australia
2006
Artisans Margaret River
Margaret River, Australia
2005
Hunderkada Art Council
Islamabad, Pakistan
2003
Omikron Gallery
Larnaca, Cyprus
2002
Lazurde Gold Jewelry Company
Saudi Arabia
2000
Islamabad Arts Council
Islamabad, Pakistan
1999
Sultan Gallery
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Teaching
Papercutting Workshops
Mar 2019
Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery
Perth, Australia
Oct 2018
Rekindling: Islamic Art
University of Western Australia
Jul 2018
Rockingham Arts Centre
Rockingham, Australia
Jul 2017
Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
Perth, Australia
Jul 2017
COMSATS University
Islamabad, Pakistan
Jul 2017
South Perth Library
South Perth, Australia
Jul 2017
Rockingham Art Council
Rockingham, Australia
Jul 2016
Kwinana Council
Kwinana, Australia
Press Archive
Articles published in newspapers
A selected visual archive of newspaper and media coverage from the previous website, preserved here as part of the public biography.
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