Semicircular forms and intricate threadwork come together in the latest textile-based reliefs by Nosheen Iqbal, a Dallas-based artist whose vibrant embroidered pieces channel Islamic geometry and floral ornamentation through a contemporary lens. Her work is defined by meticulously stitched arabesques, glimmering beads, and a striking interplay of light and shadow – all arranged on smooth wooden panels that echo architectural motifs.
Iqbal’s current series, Botanical Allegory , draws directly from her Pakistani and Islamic heritage, featuring compositions that resemble domes, arches, and floral latticework. The curved forms are more than aesthetic choices – they act as symbolic bridges between cultures and eras. While her designs evoke ancient decorative traditions, her materials and presentation push them into a new, hybrid space.
“Living in the West while holding Eastern heritage has driven me to innovate,” she says. “I merge elements from different art movements to create a blend that honors my roots while embracing new influences.” This fusion is most visible in how light transforms her work. As illumination shifts across the beaded surfaces and densely stitched threads, colors deepen and textures emerge, turning each piece into a dynamic surface that changes with the viewer’s movement.
Galleri Urbane in Dallas will feature Iqbal’s work in the upcoming group show roll the windows down , running from June 21 through August 8. More of her work can be found on Instagram, where she shares close-ups of in-progress pieces and the detailed craftsmanship behind her glowing surfaces.
