The Unfixed Stars by Jonathan Sims

"The glory of Islamic science is in its ability to inherit and fully comprehend the work of previous generations," says Sims

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 'The Unfixed Stars' was inaugurated 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.

Jonathan Sims presents his work / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Jonathan Sims finds his inspiration from reading about the dedication and genius of Muslim astronomers and mathematicians. "The glory of Islamic science is in its ability to inherit and fully comprehend the work of previous generations," says Sims.

The centerpiece of the installation is a complex sculpture made of dichroic Plexiglas - a unique material that allows light to pass through it, but also reflects that same light in different shades and trajectories. Framed inside the sculpture are twelve carefully directed lights, newly refined versions of analog projection lamps that have become a major part of the artist's practice. These lamps consist of a light source and two pieces of acrylic glass laser-etched with Islamic patterns. The result is a room with reflections of various Islamic patterns which gives a viewer a serene and peaceful feeling.

The artist draws a connection between the horizon and the artwork by saying, "I believe that the theme of this festival could be envisioned in any single one of these radiant patterns, pulling intense meaning from the drawing-lines that persist without erasure as part of the image."

Jonathan Sims is a New York City based visual artist who originally hails from Texas. His visual arts practice is characterized by brightly coloured geometric abstractions and simple, minimalist symbology that evokes language and universal, ancient design. Jonathan began his practice with painting but has since moved into digital animation, sculpture and projection installations, print, long exposure photography, and graphic design.