Geometric Elephant
Created by: Safari Ali
Location: St George Street
Overview
Artist Safira Ali’s Geometric Elephant is covered with intricate geometric patterns, inspired by the rich traditions of Islamic geometry. The colours and patterns allude to the architecture from the Mughal Empire, and repeating motifs from South Asian and Islamic history transform the elephant – as if it is a tapestry.
Location
St George Street
Meet the Artist
Safira Ali
My artistic practice explores cultural identity, contemporary design and Islamic art patterns.
Working with traditional geometric patterns and calligraphy, my work looks at these elements with a modern lens, blending heritage with a contemporary interpretation.
I am particularly drawn to the structural qualities of geometry, creating works that celebrate symmetry, and cultural storytelling.
Inspired by South Asian and Islamic art aesthetics, I often use intricate patterns, natural pigments, and handmade techniques to produce my paintings.
My practice extends to teaching, where I share this art through workshops and community projects, providing a deeper understanding of their cultural significance.
As an artist, I am committed to pushing boundaries within traditional art forms, exploring new materials, and experimenting with multidisciplinary approaches.
My work aims to honour the past and tradition and use a contemporary perspective.
Meet the Elephants
Kaleidoscope
Created by: Glebelands Primary SchoolLocation: King Richard III Visitor CentreThe whole school had the brief of diversity. They then represented this in their designs along with the school values of Empathy, Learning, Respect and Kindness. The whole school agreed that...
Geraldine
Created by: Gartree High SchoolLocation: This + That by LOROSAll of our KS3 students worked so hard in coming up with incredible design ideas for our elephant - exploring different cultures, the idea of loss and healing, and things that give us happiness and comfort....
Atlas
Created by: Ellesmere CollegeLocation: Westcotes LibraryEllesmere students have been looking at environmental issues this year. They wanted to highlight some of those issues in the design of Atlas and in his description. Green house gas emissions associated with food...
Dorothy
Created by: Dorothy Goodman SchoolLocation: Attenborough Arts Centre - The Salmon GalleryThe sculpture was delivered to the Vocational Sixth Form site of Dorothy Goodman School. Students got to see the elephant for the first time in an end of day assembly. They were...
Rosemary
Created by: Danemill Primary SchoolSponsored by: SimplifyLocation: Leicester Cathedral - Main HallAfter hearing about the ASHA charity and how they support children in the slums of India the Children of Danemill thought there would be no one better to look to for...
Effie
Created by: Church Hill Infant SchoolLocation: Leicester Guildhall- Great HallWe based the design on our school values. Each class was given a focus value to create a design for their section of the elephant. The five designs were; Teamwork, Excellence, Being Unique,...
Addai
Created by: Christ the King Catholic Voluntary AcademyLocation: Westcotes LibraryAll children had the chance to submit a design idea for our elephant. From nearly 200 designs, a selection from across year groups were picked to be included in our final design. The idea...
Sparkle
Created by: Christ Church & St Peter's Primary SchoolLocation: LOROS Bookshop - WindowThe whole school took part in a competition to design Sparkle. We really wanted her to represent the school, our values… and our sparkly edges! Someone mentioned the tea towels...
Artie
Created by: Charnwood ArtsSponsored by: Morningside (Aspire Pharma)Location: Attenborough Arts Centre- The Salmon GalleryCharnwood Arts is dedicated to promoting creativity, inclusion and community engagement through the arts. This is why our artists wanted to create...