About
Kulsum Tasnif is a contemporary artist fusing the elements of the east and west. Feel free to reach out, bookings and inquiries are always welcome.
PAINTINGS AND OTHER SURFACES
“Far from my eyes, yet, close to my heart.”
24″x24″
Acrylic/Mixed Media
My mother was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in her late 20’s, which was well controlled throughout her life with medication. Few are aware of this “family secret” due to taboos surrounding mental illness. This struggle did not define my mother. Mom was a dreamer, she wanted to be a writer. Mom was a gifted teacher. She was a supporter, an encourager. She had a powerful mind that never gave in. All her life, she battled racism, sexism, and Islamophobia, yet, she genuinely believed in the goodness of people. Fouzia Tasnif was the strongest person I have ever known. This warrior battled cancer till her organs shut down one by one.
When my aunt left for London to study medicine in 1965, my mother sent her a note. It said “Ankhon se dur magar dil ke paas,” meaning “Far from my eyes, yet, close to my heart.” My work is about the resilience of the human spirit. This is how I honor my mother.
Kulsum Tasnif is a contemporary artist fusing the elements of the east and west. Feel free to reach out, bookings and inquiries are always welcome.
All paintings are original works, created with the utmost respect, patience, and joy. Please contact if one of the pieces resonates with you, if you have an idea you’d like to see come to life, or if you’re just curious about the process.
Raleigh, NC
