19TH SHARJAH ISLAMIC ARTS FESTIVAL (DEC 14, 2016 - JAN 24, 2017) Entwine by Lianne Clark

'The opening of the exhibition as a part of the 19th Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival was in the presence of His Excellency Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture and Information; Mohammed I. Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Farah Qassim Mohammed, Islamic Arts Festival Executive.

L-R. Farah Qassim Mohammed, Islamic Arts Festival Executive; His Excellency Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture and Information and Lianne Clark / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Lianne Clark developed the installation as a frame structure of beautiful intertwining curved plywood beams. The structure predominantly consists of strips of curved plywood which have been connected together using pioneering construction techniques, specifically the utilisation of conflicting forces. ‘Entwine’ is a marvel of geometry as the piece is formed from an arrangement of 19 octahedral components, each consisting of six beams, which are paired and positioned upon one of three axis. These three elements represent the unity of man, nature and the universe that surrounds us. The curving forms are illuminated using LED spot lights to enhance the organic patterning existent within the structure. This allows the all forms within the structure to be fully visible. Since LED spot lights are changing colours the installation appears to be glowing.

At the Art Talk Lianne Clark explained "The form of 'Entwine' is based on the octahedron, composed of eight equilateral triangles; four of which meet at each vertex. One of the eight triangles acts as a base for the structure. This results in one edge creating a small cantilever, whilst the counter edge can be anchored to the ground."

Similar to Islamic geometry, the wooden components within the installation tessellate to form intricate and visually complex patterns and shadows. It both appears and transforms as one explores all sides and experiences that a form changes each time.

Lianne Clark next to her work. From the opening of the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Entwine, installation view. From the opening of the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Entwine, installation view, different colour. From the opening of the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Entwine, detail. From the opening of the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Entwine, detail. From the opening of the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Entwine, installation view. From the opening of the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Entwine, installation view. From the opening of the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Lianne Clark / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Lianne Clark is an artist and aspiring architect currently living, working and studying in London. She has developed a keen interest in the combination of artistic and conceptual creativity with strategic thinking. Whereas her partner in this artwork, Tim Hornsby specializes in architectural ceramics. Alongside their careers in Architecture and Construction , Lianne and Tim work together in designing and constructing installations/artworks for festivals and exhibitions.

Group photo from the opening of the exhibition; His Excellency Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture and Information; Mohammed I. Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Farah Qassim Mohammed, Islamic Arts Festival Executive with guests / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine