Hafsa Murtaza, Mortal and Eternal Worlds Seen Through the Arches. India Ink on Paper, 20 x 26 in.
Mortal and Eternal Worlds Seen Through the Arches encapsulates humans’ journey from the mortal world to the afterlife. Arches allude to Islamic architecture emulating the Order of the Heavens established in Islamic nations. The right-hand archway represents the mortal world as a train ride. Washes are layered to represent overlaying entrances and pathways; the peacock feather symbolizes the deception of our world, while onion skins emulate ephemerality. Likewise, the left arch depicts the afterlife as a garden of Paradise. The salt texture of the top archway creates a starry night; the moon signifies Islam, a way of life taken on the train ride to Heaven. I am happy that this drawing has a similar theme to my other works, conceptualizing Islamic philosophy, diverse cultures, and shared lived experiences.
