Afsheen Beig’s mandalas break walls of tradition, expand artistic boundaries

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Afsheen Beig creates intricate and vibrant paintings, with a special focus on mandalas. Based out of her studio in Dubai, she draws inspiration from a diverse background in crafts, including henna, crochet, and embroidery. Her practice, developed from childhood experiences and familial artistic influence, is characterised by meticulous detail with an appreciation for symmetry and balance. Over the years, she has explored textured canvases, portraits, and themes centered around nature, such as landscapes, flowers, and birds. She also enjoys working with acrylic on canvas, and has a deep love for oils. Besides these, she also finds joy in stippling and line work using uni pens, often combining them with acrylics to add depth and a special feel.

Since 2019, she has embraced painting full-time. Some of her recent collections showcase her expertise in mandalas, incorporating elements from the art and architecture that has inspired her during her travels and her stay in Spain. Hers was a self-guided journey to mandalas and she was drawn to them by their harmonious patterns and geometric excellence. “I began painting mandalas that were not only different in shape, but also in colour, and primary design concept,” she recalls.

The stylistic influences of Islamic art such as intricate calligraphy, geometric patterns and floral motifs found in mosques, churches and other architectural structures around the world, are prominently seen in her work. Among others, Beig’s mandalas draw inspiration from the Shah Mosque in Iran, the stucco motifs of the Alhambra, the Spanish Gothic cathedrals of Toledo and the exquisite decoration and arches of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. The typical Mudéjar style, along with the Gothic and Renaissance elements seen in the Alcazar of Seville, also deeply influence her. Other influences are renowned architect Antoni Gaudi and painter Vincent van Gogh.

She also uses her art for social messaging. For example, her work ‘Desert Rose’, highlights Dubai’s progress and development as a leading cosmopolitan city, despite its arid desert landscapes. In addition to her exhibited works, Beig creates custom pieces that allow clients to collaborate and bring their particular visions to life. “Painting brings me immense pleasure, transporting me into a world of peace and harmony,” Beig says. “That is exactly what I want my viewers to feel.” She speaks to Gulf Today

Afsheen Beig with her work.

Why did you accept the mandala as your subject?

When I first saw mandalas being drawn, the intricacy and symmetry of this art form totally appealed to me. I started researching and learning how to achieve symmetry, while drawing intricate patterns. While working on an art piece for our new home when we moved to Madrid, I decided to adorn it with a Kufic calligraphy that said “Alhamdolillah”, with mandalas in black and white. It turned out to be exquisite! This was just the beginning of my experimentation with mandalas as an art form.

How did you research the mandala?

Once I started designing, I started looking for inspiration, such as in churches, mosques and famous buildings. Living in Madrid was definitely a benefit, as it exposed me to the history of some of the greatest architectural structures. Apart from these, I read about the history of mandalas from different religious and cultural viewpoints.

How does a spiritual concept like the mandala lend itself to art making?

I feel art itself is a very spiritual practice. It’s something we do to nourish our soul. What better way to express myself than a mandala with intricate details and geometric patterns that are repetitive and mesmerising, taking the viewers into a world of calmness and serenity.
Is the mandala religion-specific?

Art has no religion. Mandalas may have their origins in Buddhism as a form of spiritual healing. But when you look around you, will find mandalas everywhere. Be it in the dome of a mosque, the arches of churches or even in the petals of flowers.
Why do you use black along with other colours in your works?

Black absorbs light as well as provides the highest visual contrast for other colours, such as white. Having a black and white mandala in the background with a coloured design element, provides focus on the topic.

Is there a centre in your art?

My mandalas have multiple centres - both literal and visual. A mandala is drawn around a central point and the design is built around it. But I have included other elements in my mandalas, which carry stories or messages. They catch the eye of the viewer.

Are your mandalas secular-spiritual blends?

My mandalas are definitely a blend of real life objects incorporated into spiritual mandala settings. They are a medium for me to tell a story, which may or may not incorporate additional points of interest around which the mandala is woven or designed.

What are the traditional elements in the mandalas?

Traditional mandalas comprise of geometrical shapes, colour, symmetry, number and intent. Since I don’t design traditional mandalas, I would answer this question according to my point of view. A mandala, for me, comprises geometrical shapes, colour, symmetry, ornaments and a story.

Have you expanded the idea of mandalas, in some ways at least?

I create mandalas which break the norms of typical or standard mandala design. I have included various elements in my designs that are inspired from real life settings. From adding intricate motifs to adding subjects to the design, my mandalas make the viewer think beyond the obvious.