Who are you?
My name is Shafina Jaffer and I am African artist of Indian origin. I am currently enrolled in the Graduate Diploma (FA) Program at the Royal College of Art & I have trained in the Slade School of Art as well as the Ruskin School of Art together with the Royal Academy. My sensitivity towards spirituality and faith is articulated as varied themes in my practice.
What does your art symbolize?
I approach painting as its own unique genre and I use it to articulate spirituality through art. I develop interpretative dexterity by conveying complex ideas which allow me to take a position in spiritual art as a subject. My goal is to move away from interpretations of spiritual art that fall under a religious aegis and lens, aiming instead to intermingle spirituality with scientific/philosophical theories of mind and body. I am also inspired by sacred geometry, Kufic texts and arabesque calligraphy. Using these inspirations in tangent with spiritual art allows for my works to function as a dynamic agent of spirituality; providing a perspective to the spectator that goes beyond religious interpretation and towards spiritual pluralism.
human mind ever since we turned our eyes upwards to the stars. As observed in Eye of Creation, which recently has been selected for Caravan’s exhibition on the theme of “GENESIS: The Beginning of Creativity” to be showcased in New York. The work explores the scientific explanation of the birth of the universe - the Big Bang - which was energetic, concentrated and explosive. The circle in the centre of the works symbolises the outburst of God and the expansion from the centre in a wave-motion from dark to light which is symbolic of God’s creative force. Thereby my expression of God in my work is one that is achieved not through religious mechanisms but from a naturalistic perspective. Thus, moving it in the direction of pluralism and inter-faith spiritual expressions, making my practice accessible to a host of diverse cultures.
How does you art promote cultural diversity?
The idea of merging spirituality and art motivated me to create a series of paintings. Conceptually, the mechanisms by which the Universe was created has baffled the
In my business career, using my degree in Business/Marketing, I applied my artistic talents to advertising, however, last December I opened a gallery in Cape Town to assist emerging artists from minority groups. Furthermore, I have acquired a curation certificate from Sothebys and I am setting up a studio that provides free space for emerging artists. These projects will shape my future alongside my personal artistic development.
How have you used Art in your career?
