Philosopher’s Stone
The symbolic language of the Alchemist most prized elixir.
painted white aluminum and polished stainless steel
2024
76 × 85 × 85 in
200 lbs
Fabricated by Alex Akbari, Qube Inc
Photographs by Mattias Flynn
Currently on sale at Oeno Gallery in Prince Edward County
Artwork statement by Oeno:
The powerful architectural form of this contemporary sculpture was created by JAH Qube—a collaboration between Toronto-based artist Javid Jah and Alex Akbari, a masterful fabricator. The dynamic, geometric shape forged from stainless steel and bright white painted aluminum is inspired by ancient astrological teachings.
Each component is perforated with finely detailed symbols from an ancient Hermetic (astrological) table that represents the planets, the elements of fire and water and the masculine and feminine.
The sculpture is named for the Philosopher’s Stone which the ancients believed to be the alchemist’s magical elixir that could purify any substance-- capable of transforming iron into gold and the human soul into pure light.
“This sculpture in particular explores the duality of human experience and its sacred relation to the Universe through its composition of material, form and light.”
-Javid Jah