freeyork.org: Faig Ahmed Weaves Mysticism, Science, Technology, and Craft into ‘The Attention’

Faig Ahmed is renowned for his vibrant textile sculptures, which use traditional Azerbaijani ornamental carpets as their starting point. Often, these works seem to melt, pool, or glitch. Currently, at the 61st Venice Biennale, Ahmed is representing Azerbaijan with a solo exhibition titled The Attention. This installation explores themes of science, alchemy, spirituality, and self-perception in a sprawling, maze-like setup.

Exploration of science and tradition

Curator Gwendolyn Collaço presents an exhibition that expands upon Ahmed’s interest in the intersection of digital processes and traditional hand-crafted techniques. Advanced scientific inquiries, such as quantum physics and neuroscience, are connected to “articulating cosmologies of belonging,” as a statement from the exhibition notes.

The installation includes undulating, scrunching, and distending carpets that even stretch outdoors. This creates a continuous runner spilling from doorways in long color lines.

Mysticism meets modern theory

The exhibition draws on the 15th-century Hurufi mystic tradition and combines it with modern information theory. According to a statement, Ahmed uses the “human energy” of the weave to tackle issues of information overload and collective grief.

Ahmed references physicist John Wheeler’s concept of “it from bit,” which suggests that every entity’s existence and function derive from binary choices—bits. In The Attention, this concept appears in the convergence of digital methods and the loom’s physical labor, as well as in Ahmed’s interests.

Diverse approaches to consciousness

Ahmed reflects on his exploration of consciousness, merging scientific fields with spirituality and art. While science looks outward for measurable truths, spirituality delves into the subjective and inexpressible.

Merging these themes, Ahmed’s carpets guide visitors through the space. The largest piece, “I Can Contain Both Worlds But I Do Not Fit Into This One,” is a monumental machine-woven work described as a “breathing body.” In contrast, “Ancestors” is a hand-woven, anthropomorphic piece that glows under black light. “Entropy Altar” employs a quantum random number generator to transform visitor presence into an evolving language.

The Attention is on display until November 22 at Campo della Tana, Castello 2124/A–2125, Venice. For more, check out Ahmed’s Instagram and Vimeo profiles.

Source