17 October – 9 December 2016
Artist: Sara Choudhrey

Arabesque II © Sara Choudhrey 2015

Ulterior Motifs is a series of installations exploring distinctive styles, patterns and
motifs found on historical artefacts and architectural sites across the Islamic world.
Laser-cut and laser engraved patterns on white birch are presented against stark
panels of black, leading to an exploration of depth. The play of light and shade
results in an appreciation of each piece from a distance and also within close
proximity, encouraging the viewer’s dynamic motion in exploring analogue objects.

Sara Choudhrey presents traditional Islamic aesthetics within a contemporary fine
art context – asking the viewer to consider their understanding of wider art histories
and continuities. The styles of traditional Islamic art are shown to be continually
evolving with current interpretations presented here for audiences who may
appreciate that which is unfamiliar or re-appreciate that which is not.