The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) has received a landmark addition to its permanent collection, following the presentation of a major contemporary Islamic artwork gifted by the Government of Pakistan.
The piece, created by renowned artist Amin Gulgee, marks the first time Pakistan has been represented within the Centre’s distinguished art holdings.
The sculpture, from Gulgee’s celebrated Zero Gravity II series, reimagines the fifth verse of Surah Al-Alaq – “[He] taught humankind what they knew not” (Quran 96:5) – using elegant Naskh calligraphy deconstructed into seven floating, interlinked forms.
The dramatic composition appears suspended in mid-air, capturing both the weight and the transcendence of the Qur’anic revelation.
The artwork was formally handed over by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Mohammad Faisal, accompanied by his spouse Dr Sarah Naeem. The ceremony was attended by Lord Wajid Khan, academics, scholars, members of the OCIS faculty, representatives of the Pakistan High Commission, and friends of Pakistan.
Dr Faisal described the occasion as “a great honour and personal pleasure to represent the Government and people of Pakistan.” He highlighted the significance of having Pakistan’s artistic and spiritual heritage represented at OCIS, describing the gift as the beginning of “a lasting relationship” with the Centre.
He expressed hope that the sculpture would act as a cultural bridge, inspiring expanded collaboration in research, academic exchange, and dialogue. “This artwork so beautifully embodies the Pakistani spirit of creativity rooted in faith,” he added.
In his remarks, Dr Farhan Ahmad Nizami, Director of OCIS, expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for the donation. He emphasised the Centre’s commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan and praised the sculpture as an inspiring reflection of the Qur’anic emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge.
Founded to promote the multi-disciplinary study of Islamic culture, civilisation, and contemporary Muslim societies, OCIS is globally recognised for its work in fostering academic inquiry and intercultural understanding.
The addition of Gulgee’s sculpture further enriches its cultural landscape, offering visitors and scholars a striking artistic meditation on revelation, learning and the role of knowledge in shaping human experience.
