SHARJAH ISLAMIC ARTS FESTIVAL (SIAF) 2018-19 Minarets 2.0 by Abdullah Al Mulla

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture has organized the 21st edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (SIAF). As part of SIAF the exhibition 'Minarets 2.0' was inaguared by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Mohammed Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Farah Qassim Mohammed, Islamic Arts Festival Executive and the respected guests. The exhibition was on view at the Sharjah Art Museum until January 19, 2019.

Abdullah Al Mulla's seeks to trace the movement of the sun according to the times of the five prayers. The installation 'Minarets 2.0' explores the creation of a kinetic minaret surface composed of a geometric pattern that is programmed to respond to the sun's movement. This is visible when the geometric shapes gradually open and close from sunrise to sunset.

Abdullah Al Mulla presents his work / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Abdullah Al Mulla, explains his installation Minarets 2.0 / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Abdullah Al Mulla, Minarets 2.0, installation view / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Next to 'Minarets 2.0' Al Mulla exhibited also the installation titled '1000 meters above ground' that presents a model of a space that serves as a prayer room. The artist is suggesting that some spaces that are now empty due to rapid growth of buildings in the UAE, could be used as mosques. That way these empty spaces would be useful and Muslims could enjoy the feeling of serenity, at 1000 meters above ground, while praying.

Abdullah Al Mulla presents his work / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Abdullah Al Mulla, 1000 meters above ground / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Abdullah Al Mulla, 1000 meters above ground / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Abdullah Al Mulla, 1000 meters above ground / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

A visitor admiring the installation / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

The artist explores the design features to develop it through a preliminary study of digital concepts, models and technology. He uses the prototype method of learning and repetition, thus adding creative value to the artistic practice in his installations.

Abdullah Al Mulla has participated in major international exhibitions, such as the London Design Fair and Milan Design as part of the UAE's art exhibition; he was selected to showcase his work as one of the UAE designers. He also participated in Paris Design Week and Dubai Design Week with his installation titled Internal Flow.