HOW CAN I WORK WITH LIGHT AND ISLAMIC GEOMETRIC PATTERNS TO BUILD AN EXPERIENCE THAT ENHANCES WELL-BEING?

Abstract

نوُّرٌ عَلىَٰ نوُرٍ “ : light upon light” (The Quran, 24:35). This verse from the Quran touches me as it means that having a belief is like light glowing from within the believer's heart, and this light is an example of God's guidance. Since I am Muslim and believe in God, I think that light and Islamic geometric patterns convey strong meanings as spirituality. Spirituality is the connection and awareness of the inner self. It is associated with meanings in life, beliefs and connectedness. I define spirituality broadly because everyone can experience it regardless of whether they are religious or not. Spirituality does not relate merely to religion because, at times, it refers to the meaning of life or beliefs outside religion (Sheng, 2012). I intend to reveal the meaning of spirituality by utilising light and Islamic geometric patterns to affect the viewers. I believe that linking meanings to my work strengthens the impact on the viewer. As García-Alandete, the Assistant Professor of Psychology Faculty in Spain (2015) asserts, applying meanings has a positive psychological impact. In the paper, I am associating spirituality meanings with psychological well-being. “Well-being is balanced between mind, body and spirit.” (Cross, 2002). I aim to build an experience that amplifies a spiritual meaning which might alter viewers’ perspectives and thoughts. I want the viewers to take a moment and analyse those meanings and deepen their inner awareness and consciousness instead of letting the experience pass them by. I decided to limit my research input to the psychological effects on people's well-being and expand my exploration towards the goal of leaving a positive impact on others.