We Are The Imprints

- Tuesday 30 November, 2021 07:00PM

VENUE

1971 Design Space, Flag Island

“We are the imprints” invites visitors to discover Physiognomy in a spatial experience at 1971 – Design Space. This exhibition represents the conclusion of a research by the designer Jawaher AlKhayyal, based on a book titled “Ilm Al-firasa ind Al Arab” (The Science of Physiognomy amongst Arabs) dating on information from the Medieval Islamic Period, by the renowned Arab philosopher and scholar Fakhr El Din Al Razi.

The book discusses the Science of Physiognomy, which has become an almost neglected science in our modern world, because of its mystic and intuitive aspects. Physiognomy, translated as “Firaasa”, was recognised by Arabs as a science like other crucial sciences in the past, such as astronomy, chemistry, and various systems of divination that used to be prevalent at the time.

This exhibition aims to create an interactive spatial experience encouraging visitors to discover what the designer Jawaher AlKayyal concluded in her research on Physiognomy. It also addresses the various aspects within this science and focuses on the characteristics of “Muftaris”, a character who skillfully practiced and applied the types of physiognomy is his daily life during that period.

Enabling such an experience of Physiognomy, the designer translates intangible concepts using modular designs as part of the exhibition layout at 1971 – Design Space.  The exhibition leaves its visitors with broader questions on Physiognomy to reflect on: for example, whether physiognomy is still relevant as a study today or if it is simply a gift that a person is born with? Do studies of modern concepts of physiognomy exist and how do they keep pace with our current time?

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