“Letters are a nation of nations,” Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi (1165AD-1240AD)

It is said that to understand the universe, you must engage in the world of language or cosmos of letters. ‘Stages of Ascent’ is a visual journey that explores the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet. Beginning with the primary letter ‘Alif’ and ending with ‘Ya’, this series introduces the playful possibilities that letters can create, telling stories within a story. Alif, a symbol of the absolute oneness of God (Allah), is also a representation of self; I (ana).  Its distinct form (a straight line) represents God’s unity, the straight path to faith and spirituality.  Yet, it also symbolizes individuality, often compared to the shape of a standing man. 

Drawn and reinterpreted from their primary form, the series of letters present a diverse collection of visual expressions. Through intricate sewing of thread and beads, each letter forms its own narrative, weaving together different characters, relationships and ideas. The embroidery accentuates the movement and dynamic nature of the letters, giving a glimpse of their endless possibilities and splendour. A harmony of lines and curves form a dimension of play, as though the characters are dancing on the canvas. 

A sequence of words linked by the primary letter they represent lies alongside the illustrations. Taking the viewer through an unsystematic journal of thought, the words symbolize the interpretation of language hidden between the alphabetical letters. The final letter Ya’ represents everything other than self. It is the only letter than can be written backwards, taking us to Alif, the beginning of another journey. As poetic mystical belief maintains, ‘Ya’ is the opposite of ‘Alif’, and hence, the whole world rests between them.