SHARJAH ISLAMIC ARTS FESTIVAL (DEC 13, 2017 - JAN 23, 2018) Light Installation ‘In Bloom’ by Toy Studio

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture has organised the 20th Edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival.

The installation 'In Bloom' is on view at the Sharjah Art Museum as part of the 20th Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (2017/18).

Innes Shelley and Toby Plunkett explain their installation to Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi at the opening of the Festival / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

'In Bloom' is an ornate star – a geometric sculpture and light installation inspired by the complex forms of stellated polyhedra, a process of constructing new geometries by extending the facial planes of a given polyhedron to form a new figure.

The proportions of the installation link to Islamic cosmology, dealing with patterns that derive from classical ideals of balance and symmetry. Its geometry and its rhythm was developed as a visual tool for contemplating the underlying mathematical nature of the universe. Its perforations, inspired by Islamic patterns, allow the viewer's mind to wander. They illustrate an endless variety, a representation of the many ways we have derived meaning and connection from geometry and natural wonder and shared it with each other through the arts.

The installation is lit with LEDs from the inside in order to cast colourful, intricate shadows which highlight the inherent beauty of universal geometric form, symmetry and pattern. The identified form intends to stimulate the viewer, a visual tool for contemplating the underlying mathematical nature and beauty of the universe.

Light Installation 'In Bloom' by Toy Studio, 2x2 m, aluminium / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Light Installation 'In Bloom' by Toy Studio, 2x2 m, aluminium, detail / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Light Installation 'In Bloom' by Toy Studio, 2x2 m, aluminium / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Light Installation 'In Bloom' by Toy Studio, 2x2 m, aluminium, detail / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Light Installation 'In Bloom' by Toy Studio, 2x2 m, aluminium / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Visitors admiring the Installation 'In Bloom' by Toy Studio / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Toy Studio is a London based collective who work across the fields of art, architecture and design. Founded by Innes Shelley and Toby Plunkett, their working practice seeks to uncover insight that resonates and inspires through a process of immersion and collaboration. Through the use of digital tools, for analysis, formal generation and fabrication, they share an innate obsession to create, craft and champion ideas that share stories and new experiences. Innes Shelley holds a Master's Degree in architecture and flourishes in creative process, creating thought-provoking designs that investigate pattern and geometry. He currently lives in London, developing his craft and growing his practice as an architectural designer and artist. Toby Plunkett has a Master's Degree in architecture and spends his time investigating innovative rule-based parametric design processes. Toby resides in London, where he works on a range of high-profile sports and master-planning projects.

The 20th edition of Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (SIAF) 2017/18 opened on December 13, 2017 and will run through January 23, 2018. Many exhibitions and large scale installations are on view at the Sharjah Art Museum, and at other venues such as Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Awqaf Department, Al Qasba, Maraya Art Centre, and Calligraphy Square.