Permanent Art Collection

About the collection

The Center’s permanent art collection offers a Shia- inspired interpretation of Islamic art while embracing a pluralistic ethos that reflects diverse religious and cultural perspectives. Organized around seven themes —Community and Belonging, Environment and Sustainability, Equity and Equality, Faith and Spirituality, Discovery and Wonder, Quality of Life, and Pluralism — the collection aspires to highlight shared human values and inspire thoughtful engagement.

Resonating with Houston’s iconic art spaces—such as James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace and the Rothko Chapel—the Center features works by artists such as Rana Begum, whose art captures the interplay of light, reflection, and meditative stillness in the urban landscape.

Rooted in post-structuralist abstraction, the collection encourages personal interpretation and critical engagement across generations. By balancing traditional artistic techniques with material innovation, it sparks discourse on heritage, spirituality, and contemporary artistic expression. Designed to remain relevant for future audiences, the collection invites ongoing reflection on faith, community, and the evolving role of art in shaping both collective and personal narratives.

Lines of Life

Lines of Life

Fahim Somani

Book Bindings by Islam Aly

Islam Aly

Image Coming Soon

Fatimid Water Filters

Fatimid Era

Life Line

Life Line

Noor Ali Chagani

Nur-e Simurg, The Illuminated One

Nur-e Simurg, The Illuminated One

Shafina Jaffer

Surah Al-Fatiha

Surah Al-Fatiha

Ismail Gulgee (Abdul Mohammad Ismaili)

Ineffable Spaces- The Seven Ismaili Centres

Ineffable Spaces: The Seven Ismaili Centres

Salina Kassam

Awakening

Awakening

Amal Lin

Nocturnal Journey

Nocturnal Journey

Ahmed Moustafa

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Reflectors

Rana Begum

Open Your Heart _ In Your Face

Open Your Heart / In Your Face

eL Seed (Faouzi Khlifi)

Sending Miracles to Mother Earth

Hana Shahnavaz