"The Path" the first artwork of the exhibition "fleeting Glow"

Concept

This project seeks to explore the fluid nature of passion and the evolving relationship individuals have with their goals and ambitions. The work delves into how the pursuit of passion can be both nurturing and challenging, similar to the diverse terrains one might encounter on a journey.

The core theme centers around the metaphor of a path—sometimes smooth like the desert, at other times rough like mountains, and occasionally rewarding like the presence of palm trees. I aim to examine how the environment around us shapes our experiences, mirroring the dual nature of challenges, which can either be organically occurring or artificially imposed.

All the images used in this work are photographs I personally took, and they hold special significance as they capture the environment I grew up in—the desert of Sharjah. These cyanotype images, printed on cotton, reflect the varying landscapes of my journey, and are intertwined with my personal connection to the desert that shaped my childhood.

Synthetic and natural rocks scattered on the ground embody the obstacles one might encounter—some are natural, while others are man-made. This is the first piece I am working on for my exhibition Fleeting Glow, inviting viewers to reflect on their personal journey and the balance between striving toward goals and overcoming challenges.

Materials

• Cotton (for the cyanotype printing)

• Imagery Acetate: Cyanotypes of desert, mountain, and palm tree landscapes

• Ground elements: Synthetic and natural rocks

• Additional components: Cyanotype chemicals, cotton fabric, mounting elements

Cyanotype:

Cyanotype is an early photographic printing process that produces a distinct blue-colored image, first developed in the 19th century by English scientist Sir John Herschel. The process involves coating a surface, such as paper, fabric, or other materials, with a light-sensitive solution made from ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. Once the coated surface is dried, it is exposed to ultraviolet light—often sunlight—while objects or photographic negatives are placed on it. The exposed areas turn a rich cyan-blue color, while the unexposed areas remain lighter, creating a striking contrast. After exposure, the material is washed with water to reveal the final image.

Cyanotype connects deeply with my culture through its reliance on the power of the sun, which holds significant meaning in the desert environment of the Arab world. Growing up in Sharjah, the sun was ever-present, shaping not only the landscape but daily life and cultural practices. In the same way, cyanotype uses the strength of sunlight to develop images, making the process feel like a natural extension of the desert's influence.

Scale & Prototype

The length of the canvas will span the entire wall, approximately 220 cm long and 84 cm cm wide. The placement of the rocks on the ground will extend outward to 2-3 feet from the base of the cotton, with varying densities to mimic natural landscapes.

Note: the below exhibit 3 different options for my installation, I am still under the process of experimentation

Requirements from the gallery

Magnets for installation

Site and Location

In conclusion, cyanotype serves as a powerful medium for expressing the intersection of art, nature, and culture. Its reliance on the sun’s energy resonates deeply with the desert environment of Sharjah, where the sun plays a crucial role in shaping both the landscape and the way of life. Through this process, I am able to capture not only the physical beauty of my surroundings but also the cultural significance of the sun's power. By using cyanotype in my work, I connect the transformative energy of the desert with my personal journey, creating a meaningful reflection of the passion, challenges, and rewards that define my path.