1995. Sculpture, 120.0 x 670.0 cm. British Council.
§ 1Catalogue data
Sculpture- Sculpture
- Arte Povera
1995- Contemporary
120.0 x 670.0 cm
British Council
Esta obra está protegida por derechos de autor
La obra de arte que se muestra en esta página está protegida por las leyes de propiedad intelectual, lo que significa que no podemos crear ni vender legalmente una reproducción idéntica. Esta protección se hace cumplir en virtud de acuerdos internacionales como el Convenio de Berna y por las leyes nacionales, incluidas aquellas establecidas por el Ley de derechos de autor de los EE. UU. - Título 17.
Como una alternativa respetuosa y legal, ofrecemos obras de arte personalizadas y pintadas a mano inspiradas en la original. Nuestros expertos y profesionales del arte estudian cuidadosamente el estilo, el sentimiento y la esencia artística de la obra original para crear una pieza nueva y única que evoque la misma sensación, siendo al mismo tiempo una creación original por derecho propio.
Este método cumple plenamente con las normativas de derechos de autor, ya que no implica la copia ni la duplicación de la obra protegida. En su lugar, se trata de una reinterpretación creativa: una nueva pintura influenciada por la original, pero que no es idéntica a ella.
Leer más información§ 2Abstract
Descripción del objeto
Mona Hatoum's 'Prayer Mat' (1995) is a striking sculpture of brass pins, compass & canvas – an unsettling meditation on displacement, spirituality, and the complexities of identity within a globalized world.
Biografía del artista
Mona Hatoum: Artista británico-palestina que explora identidad, desplazamiento y conflicto con esculturas e instalaciones impactantes que desafían percepciones.
§ 3Commentary
Mona Hatoum’s “Prayer Mat”: A Poetic Excavation of Displacement
Mona Hatoum's "Prayer Mat," created in 1995 for the Istanbul Biennial, isn’t merely a sculpture; it’s an intensely felt meditation on exile, identity, and the fractured landscape of belonging. Born in Beirut to Palestinian refugee parents, Hatoum’s artistic journey is inextricably linked to themes of displacement – a condition she masterfully translates into a visceral experience for the viewer. The work emerged during a period of profound geopolitical instability, mirroring her own personal experiences as a refugee navigating the complexities of establishing a new life in London following the Lebanese Civil War. This foundational sense of rootlessness isn’t simply depicted; it's actively interrogated through the sculpture’s unsettling materiality and carefully considered composition.
A Deconstruction of Ritual: Materials and Technique
"Prayer Mat" is a deceptively simple assemblage, yet its power lies in the deliberate tension between its constituent elements. Thousands of tiny, nickel-plated brass pins are meticulously glued to a canvas surface, creating an undulating field that resembles both a densely packed carpet and a fractured landscape. At the sculpture’s center rests a compass – a symbol of direction and orientation, ironically rendered useless within this chaotic arrangement. The use of brass, a metal historically associated with religious iconography and wealth, further amplifies the work's layered symbolism. Hatoum’s technique is characterized by an almost obsessive attention to detail; each pin is individually placed, contributing to a sense of overwhelming density and subtly disrupting any notion of smooth, comforting surfaces. This deliberate roughness mirrors the experience of displacement – a feeling of being perpetually on the edge, never fully integrated.
Symbolism: Navigating Spiritual Space in an Uncertain World
The title itself immediately introduces a critical layer of complexity. A “prayer mat” is traditionally a surface for quiet contemplation and ritualistic devotion, offering solace and grounding within the Islamic faith. However, Hatoum’s version subverts this expectation. The pins, sharp and intrusive, evoke discomfort and even pain – a direct response to the trauma of exile and the absence of a stable home. The compass, intended to guide towards Mecca, becomes an emblem of disorientation, highlighting the difficulty of finding direction in a world marked by conflict and uncertainty. Guy Brett aptly described the work as “a poetic, imagination-stretching invention, that re-circles on itself to evoke the cosmic wonder of a starry sky,” suggesting a yearning for connection with something larger than oneself, even amidst profound fragmentation.
Echoes of Tradition: Hatoum’s Place in an Artistic Lineage
“Prayer Mat” isn't born in isolation; it engages in a complex dialogue with a lineage of radical floor-based artworks. Drawing inspiration from figures like Jackson Pollock, Carl Andre, and Richard Long – artists who explored the relationship between space, materiality, and human presence – Hatoum expands upon this tradition while forging her own distinct voice. Furthermore, she aligns herself with Arte Povera artists such as Jannis Kounellis and Piero Manzoni, whose work utilized humble materials to evoke profound emotional and political statements. Hatoum’s focus shifts from these male pioneers to the inherent qualities of the materials themselves – their textures, weights, and potential for disruption – creating a dialogue between object, viewer, and space that is both intensely personal and universally resonant.
The sculpture invites viewers to confront their own assumptions about comfort, spirituality, and belonging. It’s a powerful reminder that art can be a vehicle for exploring the most challenging aspects of human experience—displacement, loss, and the ongoing search for meaning in an increasingly complex world. Its stark beauty and unsettling presence make it a compelling addition to any collection or interior space.
Preguntas y respuestas
¿Dónde puedo encontrar una guía sobre "Prayer Mat"?
La página Ficha informativa de "Prayer Mat" de Mona Hatoum ofrece una ficha informativa imprimible de dos páginas: la obra con su ficha técnica, una línea de tiempo por décadas que la sitúa en la vida del artista, otras obras del mismo autor, la paleta de colores extraída de la pieza y citas listas para copiar en cuatro estilos diferentes.
¿Dónde se encuentra actualmente en exposición "Prayer Mat" de Mona Hatoum?
"Prayer Mat" de Mona Hatoum se encuentra en exhibición en British Council, Londres, Reino Unido. La información del museo se refiere a la obra original, no a reproducciones.
¿A qué periodo histórico pertenece "Prayer Mat" de Mona Hatoum?
"Prayer Mat" pertenece a la época Contemporary.
Cambiar a impresiones
Para obras de arte o reproducciones que midan más de 105 cm (aproximadamente 41 pulgadas) en cualquiera de sus lados, el marco se enviará como un kit desmontado. Este método garantiza una entrega segura y evita daños durante el transporte.
