Making Paradise - Aga Khan Gallery, London.

Exploring the concept of Eden through Art & Islamic Garden Design

The Making Paradise exhibition brings together a variety of approaches that explore the concept of al-Janna, the Garden of Eden and the concept of Paradise in Islam. More than 130 verses in the Qur’an mention or refer to Paradise, this being a clear indication of how central this theme is to the faith of Islam and to the spirituality of Islam. The atmosphere of Paradise is repeatedly described, not only in the Qur’an but also in myriads of works of spiritual literature and poetry, as an expanse of luxuriant, verdant and shady gardens, irrigated by rivers, ponds and fountains. In these post-Qur’anic works, the gardens of Paradise are also represented as secular realms of social intercourse, pleasure, romance and diplomacy, as well as a retreat from the hardships of work, conflict and a harsh environment.

This multi-sensory exhibition, Making Paradise, aims to evoke a sense of delight and wonder around the concept of Paradise. The exhibition invites us to be inspired by the visual interpretations of Paradise made by artists from across the world. Their work illustrates diverse approaches to the subject through a variety materials and processes — from classical miniature painting, Islamic geometry and pattern, hand-stitched textiles, traditional ceramic work and calligraphy to modern appliqué and painting techniques.

Making Paradise exhibition is unlike many conventional and minimalist gallery layouts, as its aim is to convey and reflect the abundance of what we anticipate may exist in Paradise and to allow the visitor to experience the sheer luxuriousness of vision enhanced by the additions of sensory elements such as the perfumed ecosphere and the gentle soundscape.

In order to display the numerous artworks depicting the luscious trees, flowers and fruits you may expect to find in a garden, the exhibition layout represents the classic chahar bagh garden design (meaning four gardens) which can be understood as an interpretation of the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in Sura 55 (al-Rahman) in the Qur’an:

And for him, who fears to stand before his Lord, are two gardens… 
And beside them are two other gardens.

The quadrilateral garden itself is divided by walkways or by flowing water into four smaller parts. In the exhibition, the gallery’s four walls have become these symbolic quadrants, adorned with both contemporary and historical art works. This approach is purposefully unconventional and juxtaposes contemporary art works with digital reproductions of garden-related works from the collections of the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto. Equally, beautiful botanical illustrations from Royal Horticultural Society’s Lindley Library collection are paired alongside contemporary works, further suggesting the rich offerings of fruit and vegetation in a Paradise garden. The selection of works shown has taken into consideration the trees, fruits and flowers mentioned in the Qur’an.