The Eternal Guide 2022

This surreal sculpture was commissioned by Sharjah Culture for ,the Islamic Arts Festival, 2021-2022 at Sharjah art Museum. The Sculpture is embedded with rich symbolism and adorned in a vibrant turquoise palette that explores the multidimensional subject of enlightenment and mankind’s infinite spiritual growth rooted in the Divine.

The inspiration behind this body of art grew from a beautiful and powerful Quranic verse in Sorat Qaf:

“And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.” – Quran 50:16

The sculpture draws inspiration from the UAE’s national tree, the Ghaff, symbolizing transformation, strength, stability, prosperity, and creation. The evergreen Ghaf tree has served as a source of life throughout the centuries, providing nourishment and protection to all creatures and reflecting one of the 99 names of God, ‘Al Razzaq’ – ‘The Provider’.

Centrally embedded in the tree’s amethyst-filled hollow is a gold-plated jewel embellished with the name God in calligraphy; symbolic of the divine within all living beings, it serves as a reminder that the essence of our existence stems from God.

The 99 branches of the tree organically extend from the trunk, mirroring the 99 beautiful names of God in Islam and symbolic of transformation. Hanging from the ceiling, a halo embellished with one of the 99 beautiful names of God in Islam “Al Salam” which translates as “Peace” is embellished on a vibrant orange canvas and radiates powerful healing energies and blessings into the space. The halo serves as a roadmap to enlightenment and as a heavenly reminder of the attributes of God that all human beings should aspire to embody in their daily lives.

The roots of the tree are designed in an infinite loop. The infinity symbolizes that the core of faith is an everlasting connection to the Divine.