By Islam Aly
Iowa City, Iowa: Islam Aly, 2014. Edition of 30.
 
2.6 x 2.6 x 3"; 30 sections with three folios. Mould-made Johannot paper. Colored and laser-engraved edges. Bound in laser-etched plexi glass. Two needle Coptic sewing and Coptic end bands with linen thread. Presented in a folding box with gilded wooden cube and magnetic closure. Box dimensions closed: 3.25 x 3.25 x 4". Signed by the artist.
 
Islam Aly: "This book is inspired by The Kaaba, a cuboid building at the center of Islam's most sacred mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred point within this most sacred mosque, making it the most sacred location in Islam. Wherever they are in the world, Muslims are expected to face the Kaaba when performing prayers. In addition one of the Five Pillars of Islam, every Muslim is required to perform the hajj pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime, if one is able. Multiple parts of the hajj require pilgrims to make circumambulation seven times around the Kaaba. A tiny black cube is positioned at the center of the inner back board, around which are concentric circles cut in the thirty sections of the book to reflect the process of circumambulation."