Thesis Part II: The Absent Body
graduate academic work
_the trace
A three part series of paintings mapping the space of the body in the Islamic prayer.
Methodology
The body was covered in paint, and the cycle of prayers were conducted in accordance with Islamic principles and movements. In this first study, initial contact with the ground is mapped in black acrylic paint on raw canvas. In order to understand the physical space of prostration in ṣalāh (Islamic prayer), the seven parts of the body in prostration are imprinted;
The Islamic Messenger of God (pbuh) said: “I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: the forehead – and he pointed to his nose – the hands, the knees and the ends of the feet (i.e., toes).” (In the report narrated by al-Bukhaari (812) and Muslim (490) from Ibn ‘Abbaas)
(1) In series 01, the artist conducts the cycles of prayer, without invocation (i.e. the pure movements were recorded).
(2) In series 02, the artist conducts the 5 daily prayers with invocation and appropriate timing and responses (i.e. the prayers were conducted as they would be performed in habitual life).
(3) In series 03, the artist conducts the 5 daily prayers in procession, with a vertical succession towards the centre of Islamic life, Mecca. The artist moves forward a foot’s length after completing each cycle of prayers, in accordance with the Islamic principle;
“In moving after every prayer, one will have more of the earth to bear witness for one upon Resurrection in the afterlife.” (Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah)
~ more to come ~
