Light Drawing Middle East, for Tapestry of Light Project 3

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Barberis has presented a newly developed installation lightwork which investigates linkages between cultures utilising art and science via explorations in a modern synthesis of new lighting, early tapestry and re-interpretations of the photonic activity expressed at the scale of the new nanotechnologies. Illumination has been intrinsic to Western iconography and is viewed mostly in a western context. By transferring the context of the artworks and their specificities based in illuminations identified to Western thought, into a Middle Eastern location, the particularities of reading of the work in its abstract and pictorial form is re-viewed, The subject matter becomes a vehicle communicating change, through its imagery and is transformed into the contemporary by an infusion of science, art and philosophy. From a different culture, the Arabic world, Martin Lings' writing of the "Splendours of Qur'an Calligraphy & Illumination" provides insight and clarification into the beauty and reverence shown by abstract illumination serving its textural thoughts. The work is significant because of new spatial forms responding to the Arabic architecture and the placement and overall content of the work (responding to Apocalypse Illumination) - from West to Middle East. Intersections across the Gulf offered a unique experience of seeing contemporary art reflect the complex and fragile artistic negotiations that exist among often disparate groups in a changing world, connecting them to the interface and investigations of interculturalisations. The event was well publicised highlighting the presentations by both artist Irene Barberis and Scientist, Professor David Mainwarring, which were very well attended. Tashkeel also provided a morning forum for intercultural dialogue between local and international artists resident at Tashkeel. Funding for this intercultural project was in collaboration with Tashkeel UAE, RMIT Design Research Institute, RMIT University Australian Government.