Visual-Audio Flaps by Najat Makki

The sphere, made of stained glass, rotates and produces a sense of rotating galaxies in the universe. The Islamic pattern on the sphere makes the sphere interesting and relaxing to observe.

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 installation 'Visual-Audio Flaps' is on view at the Sharjah Art Museum as part of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival 2017/18.

Najat Makki created 'Visual-Audio Flaps', an installation that combines movement, sound and visual effects. The sphere, made of stained glass, rotates and produces a sense of rotating galaxies in the universe. The Islamic pattern on the sphere makes the sphere interesting and relaxing to observe. The whole experience becomes very meditative when combined with soothing sound and the soft blue colour of the whole space. The sphere could be seen as a symbol of our planet or it could be a representation of a human being gazing towards the stars. Experiencing the visual flaps makes us feel that we belong to a greater story.

Najat Makki / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Najat Makki holds a PhD from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cairo. She actively participates in local, Arab and international exhibitions. She won the 2013 Arab Woman Award in Arts (UAE). Makki has represented the UAE in international forums and supervised several art programs and forums. She resided in the World Arts City in Paris with the support of Emirates Foundation for social Welfare in 2012 and lived in DÅ±sseldorf, Germany to execute a number of artistic and technical projects. Najat Makki is considered to be a pioneer of the UAEâ€™s contemporary art scene.

Najat Makki, Visual-Audio Flaps, Installation view / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

The 20th edition of Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (SIAF) 2017/18 opened on December 13, 2017 and will run 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.