Lore, 2023

Case of the Animals Versus Man Before the King of the Jinn, 2023

“The Case of the Animals Versus Man Before the King of the Jinn” is a painting that weaves together elements from a 10th-century Iraqi fable with the same title. This patterned filled painting draws inspiration from an ecological narrative in which animals unite to bring a collective lawsuit against mankind, accusing them of the mistreatment and exploitation of nature.

Through its imagery, the painting explores how the thinkers and storytellers of the 10th century conveyed their concerns regarding environmentalism and sustainability. It serves as a testament to the enduring significance of these timeless themes, resonating with the contemporary context of the present moment. Amid the pressing global concern of climate change, the painting stands as a poignant reminder that the worries and insights expressed in fables from distant eras continue to hold relevance and offer valuable lessons for contemporary audiences.

Conference of the Birds, 2023

“The Conference of the Birds,” written by the Persian poet Attar of Nishapur in the 12th century, is a mystical and allegorical epic poem that explores the spiritual journey of a group of birds seeking their divine king, the Simurgh. Each bird represents a different facet of human nature and spirituality, and their quest involves overcoming various obstacles and inner struggles. Ultimately, the poem serves as a metaphor for the individual’s search for unity with the divine, highlighting the challenges, self-discovery, and transformation that one must undergo on the path to spiritual enlightenment. The birds’ journey culminates in a revelation that the Simurgh is within themselves, emphasizing the idea that the divine is present within every soul, and the quest for truth is a journey inward.

The painting titled “Conference of the Birds” reimagines the bird Hoopoe’s traditional mystical journey through seven valleys in a contemporary setting. In this modern landscape, Hoopoe encounters elements of the modern world, such as airplanes soaring through the sky. The reflection and inner contemplation, central to the poem’s themes, are symbolized not by gazing into water but by the reflections found on TV screens. This reinterpretation bridges the ancient allegory with the challenges and influences of contemporary society, highlighting how the timeless quest for spiritual enlightenment can take on new forms in a modern world.

Kalila and Dinma, 2023

The painting draws inspiration from the timeless tale of Kalīla wa-Dimna, exploring how its characters, objects, and landscapes could unfold in a modern context. Kalīla wa-Dimna is a collection of fables, comprising fifteen chapters filled with numerous stories featuring animal protagonists. Notably, the lion assumes the role of a king, accompanied by his loyal servant ox named Shetrebah. Meanwhile, the two jackals, Kalīla and Dimna, serve as both narrators and central figures in the tales. The origins of this collection can be traced back to the Sanskrit Panchatantra, and its popularity has led to translations in numerous languages.

Creature in the Dark, 2023

“Creature in the Dark” is a story from the poet Jalal al-Din Rumi’s “Mathnawi.” In this story, travelers from India present a peculiar creature at an exhibition. They lead a group of people who have never encountered an elephant into a dark tent. Each person touches a different part of the animal, and their descriptions vary wildly; the person touching the tail thinks it’s like a serpent, while the one feeling the leg perceives it as a tree trunk. This leads to heated arguments among the visitors, each convinced their interpretation is the sole truth. However, in the absence of light, symbolizing knowledge, they remain entrenched in disagreement instead of grasping the bigger picture of reality. It’s only when light is introduced into the tent that they can finally see the whole elephant, a unique entity, and recognize that none of their previous descriptions captured its true nature.

In an age where information is easily accessible, Rumi’s story is a poignant reminder that information is not the same as knowledge. The painting explores ideas of enlightenment and how reality and perceived reality can vary greatly.