Artist Info, Projects
Tashkeel (Figuration), 2025
Sand, Prayer Mat, Quran on Wooden Stand, Archival Journal Entries (A4 Paper; January 2005 - Uncle’s Entry, January 2025 - Artist’s Entry)
Tashkeel (Arabic for "figuration") is a reflective, meditative installation exploring the parallel journeys of faith, connection, and self-discovery across two generations. At its core, it juxtaposes the spiritual journal entries of my uncle from two decades ago with my own, creating a dialogue about shared questions of devotion, identity, and the complexities of connection to Islam.
Anchored in the contemplative verses of Surah Al-Muzzammil, this space invites visitors to step into an act of prayer—marked by the tactile sensation of sand and the intimate ritual of Tasleem.
The prayer mat, set facing the qibla, symbolises a shared axis of faith, yet the marks left in the sand echo the individuality of each visitor’s journey. On opposing sides, stories of doubt and devotion unfold—one grappling with finding himself amidst a diaspora, the other reconciling spirituality within the context of queerness. These stories serve as mirrors, reflecting how faith can both anchor and challenge us, uniquely shaped by the specific roadblocks we face.
The installation is not just a personal offering but a space for collective introspection. It encourages visitors to leave their physical imprint, immerse themselves in the narratives, and confront their own relationship with connection—spiritual or otherwise.
Shown as part of:
Group Shows:
OF FAITH & FRACTURE - SERF Gallery, (2025)