Khalida
Steel
2m height: Edition of 8
4m height: edition of 3
This sculpture reinterprets Islamic geometric design in contemporary sculptural form. The geometric patterns found in traditional Islamic art are generally two dimensional (tiles, mosaics, engraving etc.) or architectural and this sculpture reworks the traditional motifs into sculptural form. It pays tribute to the geometric design process – the line drawings originally done on parchment with ruler and compass – in the sculpture the lines are extended – highlighting this design method used in ancient times. The majority of geometric patterns in Islamic art are based on the repetition of a single motif, which is designed in such a way that all the recurring components fit together in a perfect sequence. The essence of this work is the creation of the sculpture with the repeated pattern and they way these ’tiles’ interact as the viewer moves around the sculpture. In the Arabic world the geometric patterns were not seen are merely abstract but as being imbued with sacred content of both metaphysical and religious significance. This sculpture in this way lends itself to a variety of philosophical interpretations.
The work is also intended to give a sense of balance and harmony, being delicate but strong, supporting and being supported – rising – celebrating spiritual aspiration.
The work also draws on the similarities between the western minimalist movement and traditional Islamic art – the seriality, repetition and attention to line and form which all have much in common with each other.
This sculpture is fabricated from steel that has attained it natural patina – but is also available in other steels. The work can be illuminated at night with a light fitting position. Click here for more information on Pete’s Islamic series.