the stars wish to rest here

the stars wish to rest here is a contemplative installation reflecting an exploration of Islamic geometry as a framework for engaging with spirituality, interconnectedness, and cultural memory. Inspired by a first visit to the Alhambra, an iconic monument of Islamic architecture, the installation reimagines its intricate geometric patterns through hand-carved linocut prints.

Made during a BIPOC Artist Residency Award at Open Studio, the works were created over fourteen months of learning various printmaking processes. The meditative potential found in the repetition inherent to printmaking techniques aligns with the principles of Islamic geometry, where infinite cycles and balanced patterns inspire reflection and invite inner stillness.

This work continues to unpack how Islamic art can cultivate connections that transcend physical and cultural boundaries. By engaging with these timeless forms in a contemporary context, it challenges the historical marginalization of Islamic art and affirms its place as both a vessel for spiritual practice and an integral part of the broader art historical narrative.