Star Dome - 120 x 180 cm. Original oil painting by Marta Banaszak.

Shan Jahan Mosque in Thatta, Pakistan is XVII Century building renowned for the most exquisite geometric brick work. The mosque is quit unusual, it has no minaret. But instead there are in total 93 domes that create incredible acoustics. A person speaking loudly can be heard throughout the entire building. These exceptional features were partly lost during an 1990’s restoration…as modern calculations couldn’t replicate the original structure.

The Star Dome is an oil painting consisting of two 90x120 cm canvases (100% linen). The total size is 120x180 cm. The motive of the painting continues in the sides of the canvas, so does not require framing.

Parts of the artwork can be assembled in two ways, creating two distinctive compositions, with a strong illusion of 3-dimentional space.

This painting was commissioned for Banaszak's personal exhibition in the “Galerie des Bronzes” of the Musée National des Beaux-Arts in Algiers, Algeria (April-September 2017). Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and the Embassy of Poland, in the occasion of 55-years of diplomatic relations.
Artworks in this exhibition were inspired by secular and sacred Islamic architecture from the XIII to XX Century, the most stunning examples from Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and modern Dubai.

The series of artworks “Illusion of Space” is based on the rigorous and precise knowledge of the mathematics, geometry and astronomy of ancient civilizations. For centuries the Islamic culture was far more ahead of its times, creating shapes and styles that we can call “modern”. There was simplicity, logic, purity.

The mirroring of images is a traditional stylistic device, with a deep spiritual meaning. In the Sufi tradition it is said that the human being, through his actions and thoughts, should purify his soul, to the point of becoming as clear as a mirror, to reflect God