Four Paintings
Images, videos and stories behind each painting will be revealed here, this week.
Coming up:Battle of Uhud, The Hijrah and Conquest of Makkah
Inspiration:
Shortly after my Umrah, I began this year's collection inspired by the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Visiting the historic sites sparked a deeper study that has shaped this entire body of work over the past eight months.
For this collection, I chose to focus on four pivotal moments: the Journey of the Hijrah, the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Conquest of Makkah.
Alhumdulillah, the collection is now complete! The countless hours spent in my studio listening to lectures, researching, and perfecting every intricate detail has finally led to this moment.
So excited for you to experience this collection and reflect on these historic moments through a creative lens. I pray these paintings become a source of benefit, teaching us valuable lessons and preserving the stories for generations to come.
-Saleha Contractor, Artist
The Creative Process
Key Details for Collectors
PAINTINGS
My process blends traditional Islamic art with modern mixed media—layering calligraphy, typography, wood, concrete, and textiles into bold, collage-like paintings.
TIMELINE
It usually takes up to a year to complete a collection.
Each painting is filled with texture and detail that adds depth and draws the observer in, encouraging them to interpret the piece like a mental puzzle.
Listening to several hours of lectures and researching the ahadith and tafseer is a key part of the process. Time in the studio is split to balance the creative expression and academic aspect of the artwork.
1-DAY AUCTION
Once the auction date is scheduled, members receive an official invitation to RSVP. All important details are provided.
The online auction is open to members worldwide. Majority of my past collectors are based in the UK & US. Originals are packaged in secure wooden crates and shipped via freight from Toronto, Canada.
Every year, the last 60 seconds are absolutely intense, subhanAllah.
The online auction is open to members worldwide. Majority of my past collectors are based in the UK & US. Originals are packaged in secure wooden crates and shipped via freight from Toronto, Canada.
INVESTMENT
In 2017, the collection sold within minutes, prompting members to propose an auction system to ensure fair access to originals. Given the limited number of paintings, collectors now determine the prices.
The auction prices for paintings have varied from $10,000-$25,000 USD.
Every year, I'm amazed by the influx of new and returning collectors and their enthusiasm to aquire an original.
I pour my heart into a collection throughout the year and trust Allah swt to reward my efforts and accept my work. All praise is due to Allah, the ultimate provider.
"Tie your camel and then place your trust in Allah" -Prophet Muhammad PBUH
"Your paintings are like a mental puzzle. Aesthetically pleasing & intellectually stimulating"
FAQs
Frequent Questions
Can the paintings be purchased outside of the auction?
To ensure fairness for all collectors, the paintings will only be available through the auction system
Do you take commissions?
Unfortunately, I do not accept commissions. To honor the creative process, I dedicate the entire year to crafting a meaningful collection of limited paintings. Each piece requires layers of texture and intricate details, guiding the viewer through Quranic stories and Hadith.
What is the investment for these paintings?
The auction system was proposed by members to ensure fair access to the originals. Given the limited number of paintings, collectors now determine the prices. Bids range from $10,000- $20,000 USD.
Does the 5-Star hotel in Makkah have original paintings?
No, the originals are limited due to the time dedicated to each piece. The hotel requested a large quantity of prints, which were framed according to the specific design requirements of each area, from the dining hall to the rooms. [Makaram Ajyad Makkah Hotel]
Most prints under "Best-Sellers" can be seen at the hotel.
Will these be available as prints?
Yes! inshaAllah. We're working on it. Make sure to sign up for my emails