Noor Isma Ullah Arshad - BA (Hons) Textiles in Practice
Beyond the Surface
Beyond the Surface is a print collection that explores the connection between personal identity and cultural heritage. Inspired by the intricate details and forms found in my mother’s jewellery, I have drawn from these elements to create patterns that carry a part of me. Each design holds a story, rooted in family and tradition, yet invites others to bring their own experiences and interpretations to complete its meaning.
My work reflects a desire to bridge the gap between heritage and contemporary living by reimagining traditional motifs in a modern context. The prints are intended for interior spaces, designed to evoke feelings of belonging and connection. I want the viewer to feel that the designs are not just visual but emotional landscapes that they can inhabit and personalise.
This project is about revealing what lies beneath the surface, the memories, culture, and identity that shape us, while also embracing how these can evolve through new perspectives. By sharing a part of myself in these prints, I hope to create a dialogue that encourages others to make the work their own.
