"The quest for light is the quest for understanding." Shihab al-Din al-Suhrawardi

Illuminations

In the series 'Illuminations,' I aim to reflect on a conversation that has spanned centuries. This work draws from the study of early Abbasid astrological theories, particularly the significance attributed to the Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions and their role in shaping terrestrial events. And seminal texts and illustrations of the Islamic Golden Age: Al-Biruni's 'Kitab al-Qanun al-Mas'udi' informs its astronomical precision, Ibn al-Haytham's 'Book of Optics' shapes its insights into light and perception, Al-Farabi's 'Al-Madina Al-Fadila' provides a vision of social harmony, and Al-Khwarizmi's 'Al-Kitab al-Mukhtasar fi Hisab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala' lends mathematical discipline. These venerable sources give life to my digital installations. Imaginary silk lines bend our perceptions, as real-time astronomical data transforms static Islamic geometric patterns into dynamic sequences.

While maintaining the classic folds and formulas, I introduce layers of new vibrations, and imagery. The aim is to echo both celestial movements and ancient cosmological principles. Through my sketches, I explore the universe's divinity and interconnectedness, employing mathematical and physical principles to illustrate angles and geometric folds that symbolize these cosmic qualities.

While the series may appear as an exploration of the heavens, it is equally a reflection on our earthly lives and interconnectedness. It poses the question: could our social complexities serve as a terrestrial mirror to our age-old celestial pursuits? are we each our own unobserved universe? This inquiry is akin to ancient philosophies and spiritual traditions like Sufism, which posit that the self and the cosmos are inseparably connected. Thinkers like Rumi have eloquently explored this symbiosis between individual and universe.

The question also aligns with existentialist thought, suggesting that our unique, subjective experiences might make us inherently unobservable universes unto ourselves. It's as if each person embodies an enigmatic realm influenced by their observations and experiences, while remaining fundamentally unknowable to others.

Even quantum mechanics lends credence to this thought, reminding us that particles are in a state of probability until observed. This principle magnifies the inquiry, implying that our very act of observation becomes a defining aspect of our personal universe. So, as 'Illuminations' navigates between celestial wonders and earthly intricacies, it also underlines the importance of our role as observers or witnesses. Our acts of witnessing or observation don't just document what is out there; they may very well define what exists in our own subjective universes.

During the isolation of the pandemic, the familiar trails of Hahamongna in the San Gabriel Valley – the heart of what we call the 'LA Forest' – underwent a profound transformation. Bereft of our footsteps and voices, nature reclaimed its space. The trails that had once been clear and predictable became a tangle of new growth. Every visit revealed more surprises: a canopy of song from birds that once had to compete with human-made noises, unexpected blooms from plant life, and the graceful presence of wildlife that seemed less wary of an occasional wanderer.

It wasn't just the visible changes that stirred something within me. It was the deeper, more intimate connection with the land, as though the ancestral spirits of the place were making themselves known in the absence of modern distractions. These once-familiar trails now felt like passages to another time, connecting me not just to the land's present, but to its past and the countless generations that had walked here before me.

In trying to capture this feeling, my art became more than just a representation; it was a conversation. I delved deeper, using the very essence of the forest in my work. Plant and flower dyes became a medium, allowing the vibrant colors of the forest to tell their stories on my canvases. Tree fibers and bark introduced texture, giving a tangible feel to the memories of my treks.

This sketchbook series is a chronicle of a journey, both internal and external. Through explorations and digital interpretations, I've aimed to encapsulate the profound bond I felt with the LA Forest during this unique period. It's an ode to nature's resilience, its deep history, and the eternal ties that bind us to our environment and ancestors.

These pieces, rich with nature's essence and ancestral undertones, have become a pivotal cornerstone for my artistic journey ahead. Not only have they captured a transformative period in my life, but they've also established a reference library that I constantly consult, a wellspring of inspiration for my ongoing explorations. Drawing from these experiences, my current endeavors reach further into the intertwining narratives of nature and human lineage. The textures, colors, and emotions captured in these series serve as constant reminders and guideposts. They inform my work and perspective as I delve deeper into broader canvases. It’s an evolution of sorts; an organic growth from seeds sown during those introspective days in the Hahamongna, now evolving into a new body of work.