About Al Aqsa
Masjid Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam. It is where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stood before he ascended to the heavens on the Night Journey. Beyond its religious significance, Al-Aqsa is a symbol of Palestinian identity that has lasted for centuries. The dome rises from deep blue, the minaret stands firm, still here and still standing.
Behind the painting
I began this painting on the night of Meraj, the anniversary of the Prophet’s Night Journey. Al-Aqsa was not just a stop on the journey; it was chosen as the place where the Prophet paused before ascending. The mosque has been fought over and defended for generations, yet it remains the place where the Prophet stood. For Muslims everywhere, it holds both historical and personal meaning. I painted it as an act of witness.
How it was made
This is a palette knife painting. The knife pushes, drags, and scrapes thick layers of paint across the canvas. Blues, greens, browns, and whites come straight from the tube. The sky builds up in layers of cobalt and cerulean, scraped back here and there to reveal earlier strokes. The dome is heavy and dark, almost black, with green showing through. Gold leaf shines subtly in the background, catching the light unexpectedly. The paint sits thick and textured, creating a sense of memory rather than a clear image.
About Al Aqsa
Masjid Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam. It is where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stood before he ascended to the heavens on the Night Journey. Beyond its religious significance, Al-Aqsa is a symbol of Palestinian identity that has lasted for centuries. The dome rises from deep blue, the minaret stands firm, still here and still standing.
Behind the painting
I began this painting on the night of Meraj, the anniversary of the Prophet’s Night Journey. Al-Aqsa was not just a stop on the journey; it was chosen as the place where the Prophet paused before ascending. The mosque has been fought over and defended for generations, yet it remains the place where the Prophet stood. For Muslims everywhere, it holds both historical and personal meaning. I painted it as an act of witness.
How it was made
This is a palette knife painting. The knife pushes, drags, and scrapes thick layers of paint across the canvas. Blues, greens, browns, and whites come straight from the tube. The sky builds up in layers of cobalt and cerulean, scraped back here and there to reveal earlier strokes. The dome is heavy and dark, almost black, with green showing through. Gold leaf shines subtly in the background, catching the light unexpectedly. The paint sits thick and textured, creating a sense of memory rather than a clear image.
