Here's pictures for the poptart-curious
There's a distinct difference between the graphic on the box and the actual pastry. I don't think this was worth it. I may point out to Misfits that it's not up to their standards. Skimpy filling, skimpy icing. Next time I'll make my own, I think.
On, inevitably in Boud's world anyway, to Rumi, mysticism, an ancient prayer rug, mosque lamps and the Arabic for Allah. This was a presentation of the New England Rug Society, which examined an ancient prayer rug, probably created by a single artisan on a home loom. It's housed in the museum associated with the mystic poet and religious leader, Rumi.
The design features shapes indicating mosque lamps, a motif found in many textiles, and the opposing letters indicating the name Allah, also found in architecture and metalwork as well as textiles.
I'll just show you slides and let it just flow over you! I won't get into the academic no stone unexamined approach of the very knowledgeable presenter, whose career is focused on this rug.
This meditative piece of repetition stopped me dead. This is very much what Agnes Martin does in her subtle repetitive work. I think despite her massive lifetime achievements and awards, she's very underestimated by the general public, who haven't grasped her references and meaning. Some of her work is currently in a group exhibit at the Ki Smith gallery in New York, proceeds all to go to Prince Harry's Sentebale program.
Here you see the power of repetition, the mysticism around it. Rumi and Martin have more in common than a person might at first think.
Here's the Allah motif on a painted mosque wall.
A pop tart is never my favorite thing, and I doubt a faux pop tart would change my mind.
ReplyDeleteThat repeated "Allah" rug IS amazing. It turns the word into a graphic pattern. Agnes Martin is an acquired taste -- I remember a friend coming back from one of her exhibits and exclaiming, "It's graph paper!"
Yes, Martin definitely returns what you bring to her art! She doesn't do the seeing for you. I thought you'd really get that rug, and I'm happy you did.
DeleteI think pop tarts are already faux, but these weren't even as good as the additive-rich supermarket ones!
Such magnificent work. Amazing how long some of these pieces have survived.
ReplyDeleteSome of the fragments have been retrieved from garbage dumps and conserved!
DeleteI remember pop tarts. Did we put them in a toaster? You are disappointed by the lack of resemblance to the actual product? Have you not seen a television advertisement for luscious stacked hamburgers at McDonalds? The resemblance to the actual product is rather remote.
ReplyDeleteThe difference is that Misfits products are usually superior. Graphics are usually very close to the reality. They don't do the cheap thing, and they're dismayed to find this new product is so poor. They've apologized and refunded me. I've never been to McDonald's, amazing to say.
DeleteI'll just say, Good Morning, and run along.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, and I'm impressed that you can run!
DeleteSmartypants
DeleteSuch beautiful work. Never underestimate the power of repetition.
ReplyDeleteThis presentation was really a great insight into the interconnections of fibers and thought. I condensed it a lot, but I hope I conveyed the gist.
DeleteAlways interesting to read quotes from Rumi, made more so by the addition of the rug.
ReplyDeleteSorry the pop tarts were a disappointment. Perhaps the regular grocery store ones are equally so. Very rarely does the picture on the packaging end up being echoed with the actual contents. Truth in advertising, not so much.
The grocery store ones are better than these! I've now got an apology, a refund and a promise to review this product.
DeleteWhen it comes to the lengths at which religion can inspire artists, I really don't know what to think. It is beyond my ability to comprehend.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's that way around. I think the need for art tends to drive its practice and that's sometimes identified as religious observance.
DeleteI liked pop tarts when I was a child. I think I'll leave the memory there! These display is above my pay grade.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's best to leave a memory intact, yes. I guess this fiberart presentation wasn't in your interesting range, but okay. Diff'rent strokes!
DeleteThank you for popping in to my blog. The only time I ever saw a prayer mat was back in 1999 when a new worker in the factory was allowed to stop his machine and lay out his mat for his prayer at a certain time.
ReplyDeleteInteresting side light on daily ritual.
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