1 of 3
99
2016
Mixed media on canvas 12” x 12”
‘99’ is a documentation of a personal search for spiritual solace. It captures moments of calm and struggle, of destruction and rebirth, of lost and found. Self-portraits whilst praying are repeatedly imprinted and destroyed, mirroring the ephemeral and slipping grasp of quietude.
99 draws inspiration from the act of tasbih, a form of devotional act in Islam where one engages in repetitive utterances of praises and glorifications to God. Believers would repeat the following:
− Subhan'Allah (Glory be to Allah) – repeated 33 times
− Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) – repeated 33 times
− Allahuakbar (Allah is the Greatest) – repeated 34 Times
Like the chanting, the print process becomes ritualistic and instinctive after a while. Movements are spontaneous and mimic the current state of mind. It sometimes took on a meditative role. Other times, it bore the brunt of anger.
1 of 3
99
2016
Mixed media on canvas 12” x 12”
‘99’ is a documentation of a personal search for spiritual solace. It captures moments of calm and struggle, of destruction and rebirth, of lost and found. Self-portraits whilst praying are repeatedly imprinted and destroyed, mirroring the ephemeral and slipping grasp of quietude.
99 draws inspiration from the act of tasbih, a form of devotional act in Islam where one engages in repetitive utterances of praises and glorifications to God. Believers would repeat the following:
− Subhan'Allah (Glory be to Allah) – repeated 33 times
− Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) – repeated 33 times
− Allahuakbar (Allah is the Greatest) – repeated 34 Times
Like the chanting, the print process becomes ritualistic and instinctive after a while. Movements are spontaneous and mimic the current state of mind. It sometimes took on a meditative role. Other times, it bore the brunt of anger.