“Allāh is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp; the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allāh guides to His light whom He wills. And Allāh presents examples for the people, and Allāh is Knowing of all things.” (verse 35 of AL-Noor Surah )

The circular patterns follow the curve of the dome and are inspired by the whirl of the dervishes, moving with a centripetal force. Looking at the work from underneath generates a mesmerizing illusion of elevation which replicates the centering and meditative effect of the Sufi dance. 

video by Pamela Saade curated by Art of Change