Aadil Abedi (B.1946) Allah signed 'Aadil' lower right, signed dated and titled verso oil on canvas 91.2 x 91.2cm (35 7/8 x 35 7/8in). Footnotes: Provenance Property from a private collection, New York. Abedi is an artist and designer whose practice explores the visual power of Arabic calligraphy. Across a wide range of works and mediums, he reimagines the script as a dynamic artistic form, celebrating its aesthetic richness beyond its linguistic function. Abedi views the beauty of the Arabic letter as universal, transcending religion, culture, and ideology, and not confined to traditional formats. Through his art Abedi transforms calligraphic elements into contemporary compositions that bring the script vividly to life. 'Developing a unique and deconstructed style in Arabic calligraphy was a process that evolved organically over time, shaped by a combination of influences, experimentation, and personal creative exploration. Initially, my journey into Arabic calligraphy began with a respect for the traditional forms and I tried my best to emulate them. However, as I delved deeper into the art form, I found myself increasingly drawn to pushing the boundaries of tradition, seeking to infuse my work with a sense of contemporary relevance. Growing up, I would always see very traditional iterations of calligraphy, but I knew I wanted to try and carve a niche for myself with a slightly more modern approach. My journey into deconstructed Arabic calligraphy was fuelled by a desire to deconstruct and reinterpret the traditional script in unconventional ways, challenging preconceived notions of form and structure. Drawing inspiration from modern art movements, artists, typography, and abstraction, I began to explore the expressive potential of Arabic letterforms, pushing them to their limits and beyond. Instead of adhering strictly to traditional scripts, I allowed myself the freedom to distort, fragment, and reconfigure the letters, creating dynamic compositions that retained the essence of Arabic calligraphy while imbuing them with a fresh and contemporary aesthetic.' - Aadil Abedi This departure from conventional representation does not reject tradition; rather, it seeks to reinterpret and expand the rich heritage of Arabic calligraphy. Through experimentation, Abedi opens new avenues for creative expression, developing a distinctive visual language that resonates with audiences both within and beyond his cultural community. The present lot, Allah, exemplifies this approach. Vibrant strokes of gold and black Arabic calligraphy set against a deep red ground transform sacred script into a striking contemporary composition, elevating the spiritual resonance of the word into a powerful visual statement. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * AR * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing