using the calligraphic nail symbol and the enscribed names. Here the
nail symbols all point to the centre which represents the Qabaa in Mecca,
the first House of God built by Adam and restored by Abraham.
The direction, or Qibla, towards Mecca is the orientation all Muslims face
when praying. This established practise creates a universal Unity which is
also manifested in the annual pilgrimage or Hajj to Mecca.
The nail shape is similar to the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, the alif which is also a single vertical shape. The various nail symbols change shape to also represent the letters of the enscribed words. The placement of the nail shapes creates a movement across the sheet of paper, the central radiating one and the dance of each nail shape.
The Ninety Nine Names, 2011, pencil on paper, 76.8 x 94 cm
A map with the Ninety Nine Signs, Oct 31, 2017, paper relief cast, pencil, marker, acrylic paint, 141.6 x 84.4 cm
Relief paper cast, detail
The 99 Signs web, Jan 1, 2018, pencil and marker on paper, 102.2 x 66.7 cm
Detail, The 99 signs web