Summer Alireza, MA

Ibn Arabi’s 28 Levels of Creation
Watercolor on Hemp paper – Shell Gold K23.4, K14.7 And Silver
55 x 75 cm

Artist Statement

In the Qur’an, [Al-Hijr, Sura 15: 29] states: “So, when I have made him and breathed into him of My Spirit, do ye fall down, prostrating yourselves unto him.” This profound verse emphasises humankind’s unique connection to the Divine Cosmic Breath.

This connection extends further since the names of all things are rooted in the Divine Names and attributes, reflecting their source in the Divine Unity. The names themselves therefore carry not only linguistic significance but also metaphysical depth. Through this lens, every entity is a manifestation of the Divine Will and Attributes.

Building on this understanding, my work delves into Islamic cosmological studies, particularly those of Ibn ‘Arabi. His explorations of creation illuminate its hierarchical degrees, each linked intricately to the Arabic letters and their numerical values. In two of the chapters (2 and 198) of the Futuhat al-Makkiya (Meccan Revelations) he expands upon 28 Divine Names and their correspondences to the 28 degrees of creation, as well as the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet.

These chapters inspired me to create a series of paintings in watercolour on hemp and wasli paper, as well as a series of pencil diagram studies. In these I explore the properties of the letters and their elements, their numerical value and their spheres. I have also created a series of calligraphic pieces based on certain Quranic verses that highlight the cosmic importance of the Pen, the world and its entities and the place of the Divine words as God’s building blocks of the universe.