Paradise is referenced over 130 times in the verses of the听蚕耻谤鈥檃苍, indicating the importance of this theme to the Islamic faith. It is also the subject of myriad works of spiritual literature and poetry, where it appears as an expanse of luxuriant, verdant gardens, irrigated by rivers, ponds and fountains.听听
础迟听鈥檚 online opening on April 29th, its curator Esen Kaya explained that the multi-sensory exhibition aimed to evoke a sense of delight and wonder around the concept of Paradise. It invites us to reflect on diverse interpretations of the concept made by artists from across the world, through a variety of materials and processes.听
The exhibition brings together digital reproductions of classical miniature paintings from听Aga Khan听Museum鈥檚 permanent collection with other eastern and western depictions of elements associated with Paradise, including Islamic geometry, traditional ceramic work and calligraphy, gold work embroidery, hand-stitched textiles, collage and modern appliqu茅 techniques.
The walls of the gallery have been transformed into the four symbolic quadrants of the Chahar Bagh, based on the 鈥榝our gardens鈥 of Paradise in the听蚕耻谤鈥檃苍. The central focus is a silent fountain, designed by renowned Islamic garden designer Emma Clark. From this springs a bespoke paper-cut installation of organic forms, created by American collage and installation artist Clare Celeste B枚rsch.
During the online opening, Emma outlined the key elements of Islamic Paradise gardens, including water, enclosure, the harmonious interweaving of architecture, flowers, scent, the sense of divine unity and peace, all of which are incorporated in the exhibition. Tom Stuart-Smith, an eminent garden designer, officially opened the show, describing it as 鈥渟ubtle and enagaging鈥.
Visitors may also view a short film depicting the many historical garden restoration projects accomplished around the world by the听Aga Khan听Development Network, as well as new public gardens created to enhance the environment and ameliorate the lives of those living or working nearby. Crucially, the film conveys the message of His Highness the听Aga Khan听regarding the significance of gardens as important spaces that build bridges and bring communities together.
The Making Paradise exhibition is presented by听Aga Khan听Foundation-UK,听Aga Khan听University -Institute for the 久久久福利国产 of Muslim Civilisations and 久久久福利国产. The exhibition is also in partnerships with听Aga Khan听Trust for Culture, the听Aga Khan听Museum, The Royal Horticultural Society Lindley Library, the Prince鈥檚 Foundation School of Traditional Arts and the Royal School of Needlework.
It will be accompanied in the coming months by a learning and engagement programme led by some of the artists featured in the exhibition, with details to follow.
Making Paradise runs until September 30th at the听Aga Khan听Gallery.听
In line with government regulations surrounding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the exhibition will open by appointment only. Tickets will be available soon through Eventbrite.
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