Illuminations X-Ray II Diptych
2023
Gold Leaf, Tea, Pomegranate, Ink and Mixed Media on Archival Arche Paper
Two Pieces, each 152.4 x 101.6cm
Gold Leaf, Tea, Pomegranate, Ink and Mixed Media on Archival Arche Paper
Two Pieces, each 152.4 x 101.6cm
Like its title, this series irradiates to lay bare and draw together binaries that are often considered incompatible. The works blend the past, represented by traditional Islamic arts, with the present, through the innovations of modern medicine. Faith and science are brought together – two subjects that are often treated as essentially separate and full of tense contradictions.
The objective reality of anatomy and the subjective experience of faith appear in a single image. Expressed through the resonant cues of Islamic arts and doctor’s X-rays appear together, one framing the other. The suggestion is that the realms of faith and science are distinct and contrary to one other. But look again – even these binaries shift and blend into one another. The subjectivity of spirituality and faith appear as intricate arabesques, treated with tea, pomegranate and alum powder – a technique usually reserved for the illumination of Qur’anic manuscripts. The objectivity of anatomy is unpacked as the cage of the torso becomes a space of luminescent mystery. Here, neither subject is as clearly objective as it may first appear, nor are they distinct.
“It is designed to be like the opening pages to a religious text. But much larger. Originally the craftsmen would spend a great deal of time on these pages. They’re the first thing you see. Instead of a traditional geometry, I have printed two facing X-ray images of human torsos. I prepared the paper using tea, pomegranate, coffee and other materials traditionally used on these pages. By using them you ensure that when you come to paint onto the paper it will have an extraordinarily luminous quality – the paint will truly shine. And that’s what I want to do with this piece, to illuminate. I am giving light. It’s about two humans in conversation. Us and Them. Dar a luz. So many religions around the world share this concept of giving light, not darkness – it is an idea that has reached mankind through many different windows.” Ahmed Mater2008
Curator of Islamic art and head of the Art of the Middle East at the Los Angeles' County Museum writes of her first encounter with the Illuminations.
Ahmed began these works when working as a doctor and beginning his early artistic experimentations in Al-Miftaha Arts Village. They draw on his experience as a doctor, as well as his traditional Islamic education.
