Installation in the pools of the Aga Khan Museum Park

The title of this exhibition is taken from a 17th century book examining the pluralistic and mystical correspondences between Vedism and Sufi Islam. Written by Dara Shukoh (eldest son of Shah Jahan), some of the key concepts discussed in this book coincide with the research manifest in this body of work - explorations of sacred geometry that have symbolic roots in multiple religious and spiritual traditions. Studying the roots of geometric representation from Vedic origins, such as the chakras, and overlaying cosmological principles that form the basis for Islamic pattern, most notably in the work of ibn-Arabi as well as contemporary scholars such as Syed Hossein Nasr, the paintings in this exhibit reflect on this ancient conversation on the intrinsic, transcendent unity within diverse global spiritual practices.

Shot and Edited by @iamchrisAk

Video stills by @soteeoh

Diagram showing relationship between the geometry of the Chakras and Muqarnas, a niche-like structure typical of Islamic architecture.

photos by @soteeoh