Rimshah Ahmed | Divine Providence

Rimshah Ahmed is a Kashmiri-Canadian mixed-media visual artist whose creative practice spans Islamic calligraphy, traditional Islamic art, photography, and graphic design. Her work layers ink, paint, texture, and digital elements to build compositions that celebrate sacred geometry, Qur’anic verses, and the flowing beauty of Arabic script. Through both traditional and modern techniques, she explores spirituality, identity, and the relationship between the seen and unseen.

In addition to her visual arts practice, Rimshah is an award-winning inspirational speaker and spoken word poet. She has performed on stages from TEDx to international conferences, using the power of voice and storytelling to spark dialogue on resilience, spirituality, and the human experience. This dual path as both artist and speaker informs her creative approach, where visual and verbal expression intertwine to invite reflection and connection.

Her mission is to honor the depth of Islamic artistic heritage while expanding its expression through contemporary media. Whether through brushstrokes, lens, design, or words, Rimshah’s work creates spaces of beauty and contemplation that inspire hearts and minds alike.

"Divine Providence" stands as a profound testament to the unwavering faith and resilience of those enduring unimaginable hardship, particularly resonating with the courageous voices emanating from the current genocide in Gaza. The focal point of the composition is the meticulously crafted Arabic calligraphy, featuring the sacred phrase "God suffices us and is the best disposers of affairs." This phrase is a Qur’anic verse from Surah Al Imran (3:173), with the meaning: “Allah ˹alone˺ is sufficient ˹as an aid˺ for us and ˹He˺ is the best Protector.” Despite the adversity they face, the victims of this crisis embody remarkable strength and steadfastness, finding solace and grounding in their belief that divine providence reigns supreme. Gold foil accents gracefully embellish select portions of the calligraphy, serving as a symbol of hope and divine presence amidst the darkness. Intricate layers of paper Mache and delicate plastic beads further underscore the resilience and depth of their faith, creating a visual narrative that speaks to the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through this artwork, we are reminded of the profound truth that even amidst the chaos of genocide, the belief in God's control offers a source of comfort and strength, guiding individuals through the darkest of times.