Orientation Cube

Creator

Islam Aly

Description

"Orientation Cube is inspired by The Kaaba, a cuboid building at the center of Islam's most sacred mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred point within this most sacred mosque, making it the most sacred location in Islam. Wherever they are in the world, Muslims are expected to face the Kaaba when performing prayers. In addition one of the Five Pillars of Islam, every Muslim is required to perform the hajj pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime, if one is able. Multiple parts of the hajj require pilgrims to make circumambulation seven times around the Kaaba. A tiny black cube is positioned at the center of the inner back board, around which are concentric circles cut in the thirty sections of the book to reflect the process of circumambulation." - Islam Aly

Publisher

Islam Aly (self-published)

Subject

Religion, Islam

Extent

2.6 x 2.6 x 3"; box dimensions closed: 3.25 x 3.25 x 4"

Style

Bound in laser-etched plexi glass

Material

Mould-made Johannot paper, plexi glass

Technique

Two needle Coptic sewing and Coptic end bands with linen thread. Presented in a folding box with gilded wooden cube and magnetic closure.

Date

2014

Other Information

Edition of 30. More information can be found here: https://www.islamaly.com/orientation-cube.html

Recommended Citation

Aly, Islam, "Orientation Cube" (2014). Rollins College Book Arts Collection. 39.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/book_arts/39

Exhibit Location

This work was featured in the Cornell Fine Arts Museum as a part of the exhibition “Common Ground: Selected Works from The Rollins Book Arts Collection” from September 18, 2021 – December 31, 2021.