Alinah Danish
Unveiling the Spiritual Tapestry of Islamic Architecture & Calligraphy
Prompt: For our final project for bridge 4, we were required to create an artist book.
My intention for this project was to create an artist book that explored the historical, cultural and spiritual influences of Islamic architecture. I used acrylic sheets and glass paint to create my artist book. I also created a second companion book with real life images of the architectural structures and information about the structures. The translucency of the medium allows for both color and light to dance through, not only making it aesthetically pleasing but also enabling it to act as a reminder of the divine illumination sought by visitors throughout time. It provides a unique experience to its viewers, for those unfamiliar with Islam, the architecture and calligraphy may spark curiosity and appreciation while individuals familiar with the religion and the Arabic language may find themselves experiencing feelings of spiritual reverence as well as cultural pride. The presence of the inscriptions within the architecture serves as a catalyst for various experiences, enriching cultural, spiritual and artistic perspectives alike.