Turkistani Hajj Certificate

Ever since I knew about the concept of Hajj certificates, I really wanted to do one for my ancestors, who took a two-year long journey to reach Mecca and perform Hajj. It was a very strong calling. I did not plan for anything. It all came through my 2 Zeros brush, and found me. Throughout years, some pilgrims used to perform Hajj along with an artist, who would paint their journey and the holy places such as the two holy mosques, Arafat and Mina. These paintings then become a certificate once they are signed by the Imam of Haram and some pilgrims who witnessed the journey of the certificate’s holder. Due to my very simple talent and very short journey in art, I did not and couldn’t aim to paint Mecca and Medina in the certificate, but I had the two Keswas which refer to the fact that the Turkistani pilgrims did visit the two holy cities after years of longing. In this painting I felt I was the artist who did not join the journey of the Turkistani pilgrims years ago, but who felt it and tried to depict it. I owe it to art, the feelings I had after this painting is done and the calling was answered. Gouache colors, gold 23K, handmade paper, 32cm*44cm / year 2018