Abstract art piece by Aaminah Gangat featuring the Kaabah and pilgrims.

This (as pictured above ) is one of my favourite abstract pieces (also one of the first to be shipped abroad). The idea behind its creation came about during the Hajj period – a time when Muslims perform a highly sacred pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The painting features an abstract version of the Kaaba, which is the structure Muslims circumambulate during the pilgrimage.

Surrounding the salient figure are people represented as tiny lines and – as in most images taken of the Kaaba – the people around it are visualised as dots.

The lines are also in various colours, symbolising the diversity of clothing worn. One aspect of which that never ceases to fascinate me are the floral chadors, typically worn by Iranian women (which also brings back fond memories of a previous trip to Iran). I currently endeavour to create a piece which will feature those chadors.

Image taken by the friend whom received the canvas.

The neutral background of the canvas was chosen to match my home, but little did I know of where it was yet to be sent.

The first coat of the canvas was covered in a basic paint bought from a local craft shop. The finer details were dotted with paints given by a friend, who purchased them from Benin. I often find that paints encased in mini tubes are highly convenient as they can be used straight from the packaging.

The sketch which kindled the idea of the canvas, alongside a Middle Eastern “Hand of Fatima”bracelet.

I started off by roughly sketching an idea, which at the time I had not intended to paint.

However, after posting a picture of the completed artwork on my instagram account ( @aaminah_gangat ) a follower requested if she could have the painting. I agreed, and we made further arrangements. I was absolutely thrilled (and still am) as it was a milestone that I could finally tick off !

The package was made sure to be marked as fragile, as it a long way from South Africa, to Kuala Lampur, which is where the canvas was being sent. It brightened up my day when three weeks later, I received a message from the friend saying that she received the canvas undamaged!

Aaminah Gangat is a 14 year old blogger based in South Africa. She regularly journals her thoughts on lifestyle, travel, fashion, art, and her career as a student through her unique style of photography. More of Aaminah and her artwork can be found on her instagram @aaminah_gangat (with previewed snippets below) and her website aaminah.co.za.