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

Ezra

Ezra

Created by: Merrydale Junior SchoolLocation: Leicester Cathedral - Main HallOur school values are belonging, excellence, aspiration and respect. We decided that our baby elephant should be respectful and kind because it can set a good example for the rest of the...

read more
Ezra

Ezra

Created by: Mercenfeld Primary SchoolLocation: Haymarket Shopping Centre - Community Hub (window)The school ran a competition for the children to complete their sculpture designs and winners were then picked. Ideas from the four winning designs were picked to go on...

read more
Maple

Maple

Created by: Maplewell Hall SchoolLocation: Leicester Museum & Art Gallery - Leicester Stories Gallery (downstairs)Maple isn’t just any model elephant— their burst of colour and creativity makes them totally unique! With their bright rainbow of blues, reds,...

read more
Deena, the DNA-lephant

Deena, the DNA-lephant

Created by: MacIntyreLocation: Leicester Museum & Art Gallery - Leicester Stories Gallery (Downstairs)Our DNA is what makes us as people and in the same way our company DNA illustrates all our values. All the people who draw on our support made their own design on...

read more
Baby Botanical

Baby Botanical

Created by: Lucy HebdenLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - outside Timberland / Holland & BarrettBaby Botanical is inspired by the African forest elephants who are the smallest elephant species, and perfect for a smaller sculpture. They live in the tropical forests...

read more
Lemmy the Elephant

Lemmy the Elephant

Created by: Loughborough Grammar SchoolLocation: DMU - The GalleryThe boys of Loughborough Grammar school came up with their own designs based on the values and heritage of our school and to reflect the diversity of our student body and wider community. The design was...

read more
Nova

Nova

Created by: Loughborough Baptist ChurchLocation: Haymarket Shopping Centre- Central SquareEach group thought about elephants and their habitats, taking part in games and craft activities relating to elephants. They learned about elephants’ lives, from new beginnings...

read more
Dotty

Dotty

Created by: LOROS HospiceSponsored by: Dryad EducationLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - Opposite BootsDotty was designed by LOROS Hospice’s CHANCE Club (bereaved children's club). They decided to incorporate our Tree of Life into the design so all of our staff,...

read more
Tales

Tales

Created by: Leicester Libraries Neighbourhood ServicesSponsored by: QDOSLocation: Leicester Central Library - UpstairsThe Library was inspired by the Elmer story book, post cards were gathered together from library users and community groups, including nurseries,...

read more