Aniconism as Figuration Urgency (Post-Scriptum IV), 2026 – ChertLüdde

2026

Dimensions

383 × 220 cm

Status

In Gallery Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-153283

Borrowing from the tradition of Aniconism in Islamic art, Monia Ben Hamouda abstracts this ancient tradition and distorts it in her series of hanging sculptural works. In these works, Aniconism, the objection towards the use of icons such as creatures and religious features, is tarnished as the steel sculpture morphs into representative shapes of the human body. Calligraphic brushstrokes that mimic Arabic text yet signify nothing, the sculptures’ extremities extend into the clear outlines of the Tunisian evil eye. Punctuations and certain curves slowly reveal themselves as eyes that likewise deflect misfortune. Covered in fragrant spices such as cumin, curcuma, and curry, the sculptures protect and are protected by their medicinal, ceremonial, culinary, and ritualistic properties used for thousands of years. This protection extends to the artwork, but also the artist who is likewise caught in the duality of her Islamic heritage in Europe, and perhaps this protection also extends to the viewer.