PROGRESSIONAL DRAWINGS

2013 – present

Awartani’s progressional drawings are inspired by the philosophy of Tawhid, which is the Islamic teaching of the Oneness of God. Her drawings begin with a circle, and by use of specific patterns and mathematical principles, develop into complex geometric design that conclude within the circle. Awartani does not perceive geometry as strictly mathematical practice, but also as a reflection of the laws of the universe, instrumental in attempting to understand its depth and meaning.

The circle is a common symbol of the source of all creation throughout various cultures and religions. Ranging from the ancient Egyptian religion where by Ra, the Sun God, is represented as a circle, too the Hindu philosophy where by it represents the spiritual insight of the third eye and in the Islamic tradition which adopts the circle as a symbol of unity and the monotheism of the One God. Parallelly the circle and its centre are the starting point for every geometric pattern and it is with this knowledge that Awartani creates her progressional drawings to emphasise the unity within multiplicity of all humankind, deriving from and returning to the same source. Aesthetically, the drawings vary in style and colour, and are inspired by the different elements: earth, water, fire, air and the cosmos.