Intersections (2014)
Anila Quayyum Agha, a native of Pakistan, became the first foreign-born winner of ArtPrize, founded by Rick DeVos. She won the prize for the installation "Intersections". This is the first installation to win ArtPrize's popular grand prize as well!
The winning entry took 15 months to realize and was inspired by the Islamic-flavored designs of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Built in the 9th century as a castle fortress, the palace fell into ruin before being restored and reconstructed from the 11th to 15th centuries by the last Muslim rulers in Spain. The intricate designs also emerged from her reflection on how women were excluded from the inspirational space of the mosque during her childhood in Lahore — a place filled with creativity and community. Instead, she prayed at home. Agha hoped to share its beauty with the rest of the world!
Agha, whose entry was displayed at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, is the sixth winner of the world's largest art prize for her 6.5-foot cube, which is illuminated from the inside. This projects its shadows on the surrounding walls as well as its viewers. She translated her feelings into the installation by creating a space of her own making — one that was open to all.
She used simple features to create a dramatic effect: a single bright light suspended from the ceiling shines through an intricately laser-cut box made from wood and painted black.
Each side of the cube is identical, repeating symmetrical patterns Agha designed by combining elements she saw in Granada. The geometric shapes and lines become the shadows that cover the gallery walls, floor, ceiling, and even the visitors. Through this structure, the boundaries and separations are removed — our movements change the nature of the patterns as we walk freely through the silhouette.
Anila Quayyum Agha received her BFA from the National College of Arts, Lahore, and an MFA from the University of North Texas. Her work has been collected by both institutions and private collectors, nationally and internationally.
