Installation ‘Technological Mandalas 120 - Joint Space’ by Leonardo Ulian - Magazine

Electronic components connected with brass and copper wire, combined into symmetrical geometric composition

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 exhibition titled 'Technological Mandalas 120 - Joint Space' is on view at the Sharjah Art Museum as part of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival 2017/18.

Leonardo Ulian explains the installation to Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi at the opening of the Festival / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Leonardo Ulian uses electronic components and connects them with brass and copper wire. From translucent perpex in various colours he cuts different shapes, and incorporates them into symmetrical geometric composition that expands from the centre outwards. By using already made components Ulian gives this installation a different feel. Most of these electronic components are no longer used in our computers or other electronic devices. The artist explores a visual appeal of each component, from the colour to distinct shape of each component, and then carefully combines all into the large installation. With time these components will become rare, almost as museum artefacts that no longer exist in public use.

Leonardo Ulian lives and works in London. He likes to describe himself as a non-traditional multimedia artist. His modus operandi embraces his passion for electronics, music, scene, alchemy and graphic design. For him, an artefact has to posses, above all, a high degree of play value, which is what defines, for him, the capacity of an art object to stimulate and engage the viewer. In his practice, he is inspired by what our time has to offer, the behaviour of people, the way we live or the systems we like to create to make our existence more comfortable.

Leonardo Ulian, 'Technological Mandalas 120 - Joint Space'; Electronic components, copper wire, translucent perspex, brass wire, turnbuckle, 7 x 2.8 m, 2017 / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

The 20th edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (SIAF) opened on December 13, 2017 and runs 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.