Woven Prayer 2007
Collaboration by John & Fatima Killeen
Wood, acrylic, embossed paper, ink, tarlitan
220cm x 117cm x 104cm

Arabic reads:  The only conqueror is God

At the Friday prayer from a raised pulpit called the “minbar,” the congregation listens to sermons, proclamations and readings from the Koran performed by the Imam at the mosque. My construction of the minbar housing a loom within is an attempt to create a spiritual escape from the ruthlessness of war resulting from the materialistic world, and greed over who can own most of the Arab oil. Women in the war zone have taken charge of the burial of their husbands & sons, providing for their families and overseeing the well-being of their faith and spirituality.

The writing of the Muslim prayer normally whispered in a baby’s ear at birth and also at time of death embraces a shroud being made ready for burial. The on-going prayer creates a cathartic journey to a place of eternal peace and a withdrawal from the ongoing war that would not interfere with short moments of inner peace.

The writing encircles the top & base of the minbar providing a place of comfort and equality chanting the words “the only conqueror is God”. This reminds us that we all endure the same fate and that we are all equal before God, the same God worshipped by Christians, Jews and Muslims.

My work is a desperate outreach for spirituality as a human quest for peace and healing.

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