Magnetism Book is being presented to the public for the first time and is the latest in Ahmed Mater's Magnetism series of work. One of the Arab world’s most important modern artists, Mater received a retrospective mid-career exhibition in London. Drawing inspiration from the Holy Qur’an and other religious text, the artist uses iron filings and magnets to symbolize holy scripture.
An earlier work in the Magnetism series represents the Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca with the human procession around the Black Stone represented by magnets and iron filings. Another highlight is Boundary which takes the shape of a mihrab that indicates the direction of prayer in a mosque. However, as the artist passes through the portal, an alarm sounds and red lights flash – a clear symbol of an airport security gate.
Many Islamic people have felt unfairly targeted at airport security, particularly since the 9/11 terror attacks, but the artist stops short at calling his piece a comment on racism or Islamophobia. Dr Mater says: “With the art I would not go with the idea of direct racism. I’m not projecting very direct thought.
For me art is a more philosophical, let’s take it from this side saying ‘What about the word in the dictionary called Islamophobia and why Islam is only connected with the phobia in the dictionary for example. So yes, it’s about surveillance and we build this in ourself.” One of most commonly associated symbols of the artist’s home country is oil,.