This work was filmed in collaboration with Agung Gunawan, his family and community in regional Yogjakarta, Indonesia in 2014 and was finalised for this exhibition in 2023. Agung is a Javanese dancer and choreographer trained in several Indonesian classical dance forms.

Buraq is inspired by the multiplicity of spiritual and artistic references of interest that are consistent with my philosophies and practices as a Muslim artist.

According to Islamic faith, Buraq (Arabic "lightning") is the mount that served prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his Isra and Mi'raj journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and up through the heavens and back within the one night. Buraq is also said to have transported certain Prophets such as Ibrahim (PUH) over great distances and within a small duration of time.

At the forefront of the video a group of Sufis practicing a Ziker, a devotional chanting that is common in many of our spiritual traditions. In Tasawwuf (Sufism) we refer to these devotional ceremonies as remembrance of the Divine. In the video’s background in colour and in silence, are dancers performing a traditional Javanese dance. The bringing together of these two elements for me personally opens conversations and possibilities while affirming the importance of a considered balance for holding, sharing spiritual and traditional stories / spaces.

Muslim Sufis often speak about the innermost part of the heart in which divine revelation is experienced and learned. My intention for this work is to invite audiences to witness a world that eloquently explores visual manifestations of subtle social realities and the strength of shared spirituality and territories.

Additionally Sufism is concerned with developing one’s abilities and capacity through emotional, intellectual, and physical practices. Sufis greatly respect all genuine traditions of belief and faith which seek to accept the responsibility of humanity to care for each other and our world.

Personally speaking, it is in art that we find spaces that inspire and define us as a society, a constant movement towards pushing limits and challenging perceptions of who and what we are.

"When your chest is free of your limiting ego, Then you will see the ageless Beloved. You can not see yourself without a mirror; Look at the Beloved, He is the brightest mirror."
Jalāl ad-Dīn Mohammad Rūmī