ALL HEAVENLY BODIES SWIM ALONG, EACH IN ITS ORBIT

2016

All Heavenly Bodies is a dynamic visual expression of intricate meaning-making inspired by ideas that emanate from the Quran’s linguistic patterns. This kinetic sculpture aims to reveal the structural complexity that invests power and significance in one of the only two palindromes found in the entirety of the Quran; which are a form of wordplay dating back to 79AD, where by letters or numbers are read identically forwards and backwards. 

In Surah Yasin in the Quran, we read ‘all [heavenly bodies] swimming along, each in an orbit’ (‘kul fylfalak yasbahoon’) expressed in a palindromic pattern that both mimics and clarifies meaning. Focussing on the consonants, we see the pattern emerge as we read of the heavenly bodies in their orbit (‘kul fyfalak’):

ك ل ف ي ف ل ك

In this coded linguistic form, the letters kaaf, laam and fa (ك ل ف) seem to encircle the pivoting letter ya (ي). It is as if each letter, signifying the heavenly bodies, has been set in their own orbiting sphere. Further, the ya (ي) at the heart of these concentric circles invokes the next word, yasbahoon – ‘floating’ or ‘swimming’ – the verb which propels the letters on their course. 

This analysis is pushed further through Awartani’s research and experimentation with code, applying her visual Abjad Hawaz system to extrapolate the complexity of the symbiotic meaning and form. This system is a means to alternatively articulate letters and numbers, purely abstracting the meanings they impart through geometry. She uses the method to create a harmonious and formal expression of a notion too complex to synthesise succinctly.  

Appearing to expand from the center, their orbit is reminiscent of the planetary motion the palindrome itself implies. The whole meditative motion encourages the viewer to engage with meaning-making on a different intellectual plane. To heighten this state of focus, the piece is accompanied by the music of the Sufis, evocative of the whirling dervish ceremonies devised to invoke the same heightened intuitive engagement.

Installation shot of All (heavenly bodies) swim along, each in its orbit, at the Yinchuan Biennale, 2016. Egg tempera on wood and mechanical structure, 100 X 100 cm

All (heavenly bodies) swim along, each in its orbit, 2016, Shell gold, gouache and ink on paper, 100 x 100 cm