The paintings in Rasheed Araeen’s ‘In Lights’ act as two-dimensional images of the neon structures.

Using ultramarine blue and black for the background makes the geometric calligraphy painted in vivid colors pop in a way that emulates the glowing neon. In these paintings, the artist simplifies the word “Allah” to its most basic geometric form, creating a minimal, abstract composition. The works challenge Western-centric perceptions by reclaiming geometric and calligraphic abstraction as inherently global practices with deep historical roots beyond the European tradition. Araeen articulates a critical stance that situates abstraction as both culturally specific and universally accessible, drawing attention to the two-way permeable boundaries between artistic traditions across cultures.

Installation photography by Bea Frank.
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