“Through her intricate work she uses Arabic letters to create complex abstract works on paper, synthesising characteristic motifs from Islam with the rhythms found in calligraphy and geometry, transforming them into a new visual vocabulary“
For my portfolio project I have found the work of Lulwah Al Hamoud incredibly interesting, particularly her focus on creating a “visual vocabulary” using complex mathematical equations into visually detailed pieces. Through further research, i found the Abjad numerical system and began thinking about the way it could be used to specialise the audio for my piece.
“The common Islamic phrase بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm has a numeric value of 786“
This can be used to translate it to a multi-channel system, where specific numbers represent specific language phrases.
Al Homoud technique incorporates the Vedic square, a multiplication system based on a 9×9 grid, by departing from traditional numerical representations. Instead of following the standard 1–9 numerical sequence, Al Homoud includes the first nine phases of human creation – breaking down the use of the vedic scale into something personable, connecting her identity to each piece.
This break from convention yields a sequence of patterns that demonstrate the artist’s dedication to expanding the parameters of what is stereotypically understood and perceived – much in the same way it may be done for a multichannel piece and sound. Her use of turning language into visual geometry helped inspire my piece for turning language into sound.