Education

Ambreen Shehzad Hussaini is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Art History and Visual Studies at the University of Victoria, Canada, where her research centers on the contemporary artistic expressions of the Qur’an in Pakistan. Her dissertation investigates how Pakistani artists interpret and embody the Word of God through their creative practices, highlighting the societal and cultural significance of the Qur’anic text in contemporary contexts. She holds a Master of Arts in Muslim Cultures from the Aga Khan University – Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations in the UK, and a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from the University of Karachi, Pakistan. In addition to her academic degrees, Ambreen has earned a Diploma in Arabic Language from the Society for the Promotion of Arabic Language, Pakistan, a Diploma in Fine Arts from the Karachi School of Arts, and a Diploma in Multimedia from Arena Multimedia, showcasing her diverse and interdisciplinary educational background.

Artistic Practice & Style

As an artist, Ambreen Shehzad Hussaini engages deeply with Arabic Qur’anic calligraphy, embracing it as a spiritual and meditative practice. Her work reflects a contemplative approach, often using the fluidity and rhythm of Arabic script to explore connections between the self and the divine. Her style is rooted in traditional calligraphic forms but reimagined through a contemporary lens, incorporating layered textures, symbolic motifs, and mixed media techniques. For Ambreen, the act of writing becomes a form of prayer and reflection, where each stroke of the pen becomes an intentional gesture of devotion and inquiry. Her artistic practice blurs the boundaries between visual art, spiritual experience, and cultural narrative, making her work resonate with both personal and collective meaning.

Exhibitions & Artistic Engagements

Ambreen has shared her artwork in various academic and cultural spaces, participating in exhibitions and community-based art initiatives that align with her research themes. Her calligraphic pieces have been showcased in group shows that explore Islamic art, spirituality, and South Asian identity. She has also been invited to present her art as part of academic symposiums and interfaith dialogues, where her work serves as a visual exploration of sacred texts beyond conventional religious settings. In addition to gallery settings, Ambreen often engages with audiences through artist talks and workshops, offering insights into the contemplative process behind her calligraphy and its role in personal healing and cultural storytelling.

Honors & Achievements

Ambreen’s unique integration of academic inquiry and artistic expression has earned her recognition in both scholarly and creative circles. She was selected as a doctoral candidate at the University of Victoria’s esteemed Art History and Visual Studies program, supported by her multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to decolonial, spiritually grounded art research. Her work has been highlighted in research conferences and artist panels focused on Islamic art, and she has been acknowledged for contributing to contemporary conversations around faith, embodiment, and identity in visual culture. As she approaches the defense of her Ph.D. dissertation, her scholarly and artistic efforts continue to resonate across disciplines.