Light upon light

Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
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Period
1998 -
Geography
Iran -
Material
Graphite and acrylic paint on canvas -
Dimension
H x W: 70 x 70 cm (27 9/16 x 27 9/16 in) -
Accession Number
S1998.160 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_S1998.160
Object Details
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Artist
Shirazeh Houshiary (Iran, born 1955; active United Kingdom) -
Label
Houshiary's work presents a subtle fusion of her interest in minimalism and involvement in Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, which advocates the annihilation of the Self as a means to enlightenment and divine love. Light upon light represents a gauzelike spiral with a bright, luminous core, reminiscent of images of distant stars and galaxies. While the visual impact of much contemporary art is direct and immediate, that of Houshiary's work, like a fine Persian calligraphy or manuscript painting, is gradual and subtle. It slowly draws in the viewer, inviting careful examination and quiet contemplation. Only then may he or she begin to realize that the spiralling form is entirely composed of the word Allah (God). Houshiary's mesmerizing work can be interpreted as a powerful visual parallel to the Sufi's quest for divine knowledge, which is attained by patience and understanding. -
Collection
National Museum of Asian Art Collection -
Exhibition History
Imaging the Word: Selections of Calligraphy from the Islamic World (November 17, 1999 to May 7, 2000) -
Origin
Iran -
Credit Line
Purchase — Smithsonian Unrestricted Trust Funds -
Type
Painting -
Restrictions and Rights
Usage Conditions Apply
There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
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