“…On the other extreme is the circle. This is the perfect shape. All its points are equal distance from the center – which represents equality and perfection. …
So, as a human (square) strives to be more godly and seeks perfection, he (or she) strives to emulate a circle. Now in your minds eye, imagine a square turning into a circle. The corners begin to get rounded more and more. Perhaps the square begins to turn and with every turn it’s corners get more and more rounded – one degree at a time. The square will begin to resemble an octagon and then eventually a circle.
This transition can be seen in old minarets which start with a square/rectangular base. They then transition into an octagon in their trunk and are topped off by a domed top which is semi-circle. Thus the masjid or mosque turns more and more godly as it reaches higher and higher into the heavens.
This transition of shapes and the meaning behind them gives a new perspective of looking at Islamic art and architecture.“
I found this blog post on the significance of shapes within Islamic Art very interesting – especially in relation to the emphasis on the circle denoting perfection – with a contrast to the human square implying imperfection. This also relates to the idea of the geometric shape of the circle is a representation of the ultimate source of all diversity in creation as well as the primordial symbol of unity in Islamic art. (Artofislamicpattern.com, 2023). In terms of the square shaping into an octagon – then to a circle, I believe this could be used as a visual aesthetic to represent sonic changes within the work itself in similar ways to an exhibition I saw at the Now Museum.
Qamar, I. (2016). In Sufi tradition, basic geometric shapes show mans struggle and quest to reach God (Allah) and his perfection. To explain this struggle, we need to look at two basic shapes. [online] Linkedin.com. Available at:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/concept-shapes-sufi-tradition-imran-qamar#:~:text=The%20point%20here%20is%20that,which%20represents%20equality%20and%20perfection. [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].