ARTICLE 1086 - Indian sky in Dubai

[Wednesday, March 18, 2009 23:47 IST] Riddhi Doshi

Dubai: Algerian artist Zoulikha Bouabdellah won$2,00,000 in prize money and the Abraaj Capital Art Prize, an art initiative that encourages the best participating artists from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia for her work titled Walk On The Sky, Pisces 2009. The prize is awarded to artists for the submission of the proposed project (on paper) of the art works. The money won then helps the artist reproduce an actual art work.

Bouabdellah says that the work draws its inspiration from Indian astronomy. Shesays, "I have always been fascinated by space and hence wanted to create an experience that will give people the joy of walking through the sky. The roof replicates the imagery of the sky and in the floor, you can see the ceiling as well as yourself. Though, this isn't a mirror image, so you will see yourself standing tall."

She adds, "I have read many books on Indian astronomy and have always been fascinated by the interesting historical theories about space from India." She is especially intrigued by the age-old theory that says that a tortoise back is actually how the space set-up is. This theory helped her conceptualise the roof of her art work.

There is an interesting story about the reflective flooring as well. "The Queen of Sheeba was said to have hairy legs and she would always make sure that nobody checked her legs. King Solomon tricked Sheeba by creating a floor that looked like water. In an attempt to enter the water, Sheeba lifted her dress and Solomon saw her legs. And this story inspired the floor of the art work," narrates Bouabdellah.

The artist is particularly impressed by Indian architecture and Mahatma Gandhi. "He was an amasing man. I have read all about him," she says. Though, she has never visited India, she says, "I am dying to be there. I assure you, a trip to India is one of those things I will be doing before I die," says an emotional Bouabdellah.

Image 01: Zoulikha Bouabdellah (L) taking a walk under her installation
Article Courtesy: DNA INDIA