A Mirror, A Myth, and A Monument explores the intricate patterns, forms, and philosophies of Islamic art, reinterpreting them within a contemporary context. This project challenges the marginalization of Islamic art, often reduced to ornamental status by Orientalist perspectives in Western art history. Rooted in the Islamic worldview, where art reflects divine order, unity, and interconnectedness, the project highlights the deeper meaning behind geometric patterns and architectural forms.
Central to this work are photographs of significant sites in Islamic architecture, capturing the spatial and temporal complexities of these iconic structures. By transforming these images into sculptural forms, the project moves beyond two-dimensional representation, creating three-dimensional objects that evoke the depth and perspective inherent in Islamic design. The manipulation of these photographs into physical forms further complicates their interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with the patterns and motifs in a dynamic way and pushing the boundaries of how they are traditionally perceived.
A Mirror, A Myth, and A Monument positions Islamic art as a living tradition that continues to evolve. By reimagining traditional patterns through modern materials and techniques, the project bridges the gap between past and present, emphasizing Islamic art as a vibrant and evolving form of cultural expression. Through these sculptural interventions, the project encourages contemplation of the spiritual significance embedded in Islamic art.
Biographie
Leila Fatemi
Leila Fatemi (née en 1991 à Milan) est une artiste visuelle contemporaine qui vit actuellement à Tkaronto/Toronto. Grâce à une combinaison de recherches matérielles et textuelles, sa pratique se déploie sur une variété de supports, dont la photographie, le collage, les matériaux d’archives, le textile, les motifs et la gravure. En reliant les thèmes du postcolonialisme, du genre et de la spiritualité, le travail de Fatemi incite les spectateurs à considérer leur rôle par rapport à l’exactitude de la représentation et aux conséquences culturelles des sujets orientalisés. Son travail offre des perspectives alternatives concernant le regard colonial, la représentation ethnique et les expériences numineuses collectives en employant des méthodes de subversion et de récupération comme outils pour résister aux héritages impérialistes.