Heart House
Heart House
The heart is the universal symbol for human emotion, which is why notions of closeness and vulnerability are expressed through this trope. Anything or anyone we adore is often referred to as “close to the heart.” One’s home is the most intimate built space that can be experienced, and Heart House is an architectural and sculptural allegory for this feeling of belonging. Each space in the house is a metaphor for the different members of the human heart, reflecting their functions and roles in oxygenating and recharging blood. The connectivity between the rooms of the house and their circulation paths are also akin to the movement of a blood molecule through the oxygenation process. This network generates a labyrinth of unique spaces, with both private nooks and expansive moments.
The heart is the universal symbol for human emotion, which is why notions of closeness and vulnerability are expressed through this trope. Anything or anyone we adore is often referred to as “close to the heart.” One’s home is the most intimate built space that can be experienced, and Heart House is an architectural and sculptural allegory for this feeling of belonging. Each space in the house is a metaphor for the different members of the human heart, reflecting their functions and roles in oxygenating and recharging blood. The connectivity between the rooms of the house and their circulation paths are also akin to the movement of a blood molecule through the oxygenation process. This network generates a labyrinth of unique spaces, with both private nooks and expansive moments.
Zahari Kala 2020
gouache and gold foil on card 16" x 20"
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Permanent Collection
This piece explores Bhai Gurdas’ 36th vaar, in which Guru Nanak reveals the infinite cosmos in the blink of an eye. zahari = overt/unconcealed , kala = art
While in Baghdad, Guru Nanak met a Pir (saint) to whom he began reciting Japji Sahib (a sacred composition written by Guru Nanak). In this composition, Guru Nanak speaks of infinite suns, moons, planets, and the creatures that inhabit them. The Pir, who resolutely believed in the spatial limits of the Universe, commanded the Guru to prove his claims. The Guru then held the Pir’s son’s hand, and showed him the expansive creations that he spoke of.
During this trip, the Pir’s son received prashad (offering) from “sachkhand,” and it is believed that this moment marked the beginning of the “karha prashad” tradition within Sikhism.
Gurmukhi Text:
ਪਉੜੀ ੩੬ : ਜ਼ਾਹਰੀ ਕਲਾ।
ਪੁਛੇ ਪੀਰ ਤਕਰਾਰ ਕਰਿ ਏਹੁ ਫਕੀਰੁ ਵਡਾ ਅਤਾਈ।
ਏਥੇ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਗਦਾਦ ਦੇ ਵਡੀ ਕਰਾਮਾਤਿ ਦਿਖਲਾਈ।
ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਆਕਾਸ ਲਖਿ ਓੜਕਿ ਭਾਲੀ ਖਬਰਿ ਸੁਣਾਈ।
ਫੇਰਿ ਦੁਰਾਇਨ ਦਸਤਗੀਰ ਅਸੀ ਭਿ ਵੇਖਾ ਜੋ ਤੁਹਿ ਪਾਈ।
ਨਾਲਿ ਲੀਤਾ ਬੇਟਾ ਪੀਰ ਦਾ ਅਖੀ ਮੀਟਿ ਗਇਆ ਹਵਾਈ।
ਲਖ ਆਕਾਸ ਪਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਅਖਿ ਫੁਰਕ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਭਿ ਦਿਖਲਾਈ।
ਭਰਿ ਕਚਕੌਲ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਦਾ ਧੁਰੋ ਪਤਾਲੋ ਲਈ ਕੜਾਹੀ।
ਜ਼ਾਹਰ ਕਲਾ ਨ ਛਪੈ ਛਪਾਈ ॥੩੬॥
transliteration + translation:
paurī 36: zāharī kalā
Step 36: The Art of Revelation
puchhe pīr takrār kar ehe fakīr vadā atāī
The saint debates and asks numerous questions, concluding that this learned one (referring to Guru Nanak) has a powerful mind.
ethe vich bagdād de vadī karāmāt dikhlāī
Here, in Baghdad, he(Guru Nanak) has shown a great miracle.
pātālā ākās lakh uṛak bhālī khabar suṇāī
He (Guru Nanak) speaks of myriads of galaxies and planets.
fer durāin dastagīr asī bhi vekhā jo tuhe pāī
The saint then asks Guru Nanak to reveal all of the worlds that he has found.
nāl lītā betā pīr dā akhī mīṭ gaiā havāī
Guru Nanak takes the saint's son with him, and in an instant, disappears into thin air.
lakh ākās patāl lakh akh phurak vich sabh dikhlāī
In the blink of an eye, thousands of skies and land forms are revealed.
bhar kachaul prasād dā dhur patālo laī kaṛāhī
From these places, the saint's son brings a bowl-full of prashad (sacred offering made of butter, wheat flour and sugar)
zāhar kalā na chhapai chhapāī 36
The undeniable art of revelations cannot be hidden forever.
DETAILS
