Three monoprint panels in order: Masjid al-Nabawi, Kaaba, Dome of the Rock
Discovery of the Self: Kaaba, Mecca
Watercolour monoprint, acrylic paint and pencil crayons on bristol paper
17 in x 14 in
Discovery of the Self: Masjid al-Nabawi, Madina
Watercolour monoprint, acrylic paint and pencil crayons on bristol paper
17 in x 14 in
Discovery of the Self: Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Watercolour monoprint, acrylic paint and pencil crayons on bristol paper
17 in x 14 in
My triptych, titled Discovery of the Self, revolves around the theme of interconnection and exemplifies the message that when one finds Allah, the Creator, they find their true selves or souls. The piece depicts the three most important and symbolic places in the Islamic world: the Kaaba, which represents the Oneness of Allah, Masjid al-Nabawi, the Masjid of the Last Prophet ﷺ, and the Dome of the Rock, which signifies the Mi’raj, the event when the Prophet ﷺ ascended to the Heavens. The trees and vegetation in the background refer to a series of verses from Surah al-Baqarah that describes humans as the land; healthy land accepts rainwater and brings forth vegetation, just as one finds fulfillment and purpose by realizing the message and reasoning of Islam. The doves flying in the air symbolize peace, messengers and the soul. They signify a Quranic ayat that states that the birds in the sky, held up and seemingly floating with the help of an eternal force, are a sign for those who believe in the Oneness of Allah. Likewise, the three pieces resemble night, day and evening to signify the alternation between day and night, which is mentioned in the Quran as a sign of Allah and Reality. Furthermore, the triptych is harmonized through colours such as cool purples, blues and teals with contrasting yellows and repetitive elements such as the flying doves and trees.
Detail shots of the triptych panels.
The principle of movement is observed in the placement of the doves and the various reflections of architectural forms throughout the pieces that lead one's eye through the panels, creating interest. The use of watercolour monoprints helps give a unique, soft texture to the triptych that unifies the panels. Using monoprints as a medium also holds symbolic significance; only one impression can be created with a distinct beginning and end in the making of the print, which resembles the fleeting nature of life and the role of death in the present, guiding our purpose to find fulfillment and faith. Final touches were created with acrylic paint and pencil crayons to add definition and enhance saturation.