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Artworks
Yasmin was asked to create a bespoke ceramic artwork which is to take direct inspiration from the Aga Khan museum's collection of ceramic artworks from the SWANA region.
After researching the existing historic collection and through Yasmin's expertise, understanding and training in art and artistic traditions from the Middle East, Yasmin reached out to professional calligrapher Rizwan Khan to collaborate on and produce this contemporary ceramic artwork.
The phrase, when translated to English reads as: 'I am near' and is a direct reference to Surah Al-Baqarah | Ayah 186. Rizwan and Yasmin worked together to create this mirrored design. The 'I am near' statement is featured on both ceramic plates and the calligraphy is a reflection of one another. Yasmin's design is inspired by symbolism found within arts from the medieval SWANA region. The reflection of the calligraphic writing refers to how the human population is always on the 'cusp/pursuit of [spiritual] attainment.' The mirrored plate is a metaphor for the spiritual realm which the human population feel, refer to, chase or speak about. The design exists as two separate entities which are close but physically separated. This is because this spiritual realm exists just beyond and outside of our human world. Our actuality is represented by the other plate.
The black and white colourway is also a deliberate decision and is a subtle nod to the many artworks and writings which notes how spiritual attainment is hidden behind ''seventy thousand curtains of light and dark'' and/or the symbolic veiling/unveiling metaphor (Throughout the day and at different points in our lifetimes, spirituality can is realised or practised, before life and mundanity reclaims is forefront positioning.)
The ceramic collection is on view at the Aga Khan Gallery, London, UK until 10 June 2024, after which the white set will be moved and kept as part of the Aga Khan's permanent collection of artworks.