Islam Aly

Orientation Cube

Islam Aly

Orientation Cube

Date

2014

Edition Size

30

Media

Laser Etching

Binding

Coptic

Format

Artist Book

Dimensions

3.25 × 3.25 × 4 in

Enclosure

Folding Box

$ 1,200.00

Unavailable


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Deutsche Nationalbibliothek

University of Delaware Library

University of Illinois

University of Wisconsin, Kohler Art Library

30 sections with three folios. Colored and laser-engraved edges. Bound in laser-etched plexiglass. Two needle Coptic sewing and Coptic end bands with linen thread. Presented in a folding box with a gilded wooden cube and magnetic closure.

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, as 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 backboard, around which are concentric circles cut in the thirty sections of the book to reflect the process of circumambulation.