RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Disney-Britton
In "Magnetism" (above), Saudi artist Ahmed Mater al-Ziad’s creates a doorway through which even non-Muslims can experience the powerful pull of the Hajj. This week as over 2 million pilgrims went to Mecca to walk in prayer around the sacred black cube known as the Kaaba, Ahmed Mater's photograuve series was on view in London at the Edge of Arabia exhibition. Hajj participants say that strangers who meet during this annual journey leave forever bound. Similarly, in this week's film release, "Cloud Atlas" adapted from David Mitchell's novel about faith, choices, and all the things that bind us, one of his characters declares, “...there ain't no journey what don't change you some.” The magnetism of such journeys makes Ahmed Mater’s photographs my NEWS OF WEEK.

In other Religious Art news from across the USA, and around the world:
A&O PRIZE 2012 voting begins November 1, 2012, but you can still register today: [join here]. It's an annual opportunity to join a journey with creators, believers, and skeptics too celebrating the  impact of the Religious-in-Art within the United States. Who is this Religious Art prize for? It's for you.
Ghilaf-e-Kabaa changing ceremony held
Hajj 2012: Muslims Embark On Pilgrimage To Mecca
Idul Adha: A Period Of Great Sacrifice
Ahmed Mater al-Ziad demonstrates his use of magnets and iron filings (2008)

Comments

Verneida said…
WoW!!!! that is a powerful drawing you could feel the magnet pulling people into the center. Is the magnet the temple? I wonder what Christians would think about the artist interpretation. Love ya, vb
Thanks! I found it mesmerizing!
Leon E. Boothe said…
I saw Greg Stewart at the recent inauguration of Geoffrey Mearns as our new President (I do like him and his wife). Greg reminded me that he works for the Art Academy in Cin.. He did not know about you and A&O. Put him on your email list. His email is: gstewart@artacademmy.edu See I am still looking after you. Greg and I had a very nice albeit too short of a visit. He and Debra Vance, who used to work on higher ed. for the KY Post and is now working for Covington Schools, were together. Nice reunion! Leon
It's truly funny to find out that Greg, who I've followed since High School to two universities is now in the arts. It is a nice feeling of synergy.