Thalaatha by Ayman Zedani

Thalaatha installation centers around the essence of Islamic art in a contemporary context

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 solo exhibition 'Thalaatha' is on view at the Sharjah Art Museum until January 23, 2018.

Thalaatha installation centers around the essence of Islamic art in a contemporary context. Starting up with a formula to create 24 objects and 24 paper work inspired by Ibn Mugla's system of letter design of al-khatt al-mansub (proportioned script) style, a new visual alphabet has been created. The objects are made of threads which are loaded with symbolism and cultural associations as well as it's ephemerality and playfulness.

Zedani's works are marked by an advanced expressionist quality, and move away from realism in their application of shapes and forms that are drastically altered from their usual configuration. In Islamic art the form of attractive shapes, intricate patterns and complex geometry is created to inspire the human mind. The culture is pushed in the direction of incredible mathematical sophistication, which blurred the line between art and science. Beyond its aesthetic it is important to understand its spirituality.

Ayman Zedani explains his work to Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi at the opening of the exhibition / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Ayman Zedani, Thaalatha, Installation view / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Ayman Zedani, Thaalatha,detail / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Ayman Zedani was born in Saudi Arabia in 1984. With a lifelong interest in experimenting with chemicals, the eventual goal of opening a lab led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in biomedical science at Griffith University in Australia. While in Australia, he followed his interest in art and undertook several courses leading him to more seriously pursue his interest. He experiments with a range of mediums, including photography (analogue and digital), digital art, illustration, painting and sculpting. Zedaniâ€™s scientific background is evident in his continued experimentation with technique and photo processing, as well as his affinity for prisms and geometric forms.

The exhibition 'Thalaatha' is on view until January 23, 2018 at the Sharjah Art Museum as part of Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival 2017/18 that opened on December 13, 2017 and will run until January 23, 2018. Many exhibitions and large scale installations are on view at the Sharjah Art Museum, and on other venues such as Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Awqaf Department, Al Qasba, Maraya Art Centre, and Calligraphy Square.