WHAT TIME IS IT ON THE WORLD CLOCK?
Time, as understood through Western frameworks, often follows a rigid, linear path. But what happens when we challenge this singular narrative? Through the lens of Islamic art and artifacts, this project reimagines how we document and understand time across different empires, dynasties, and cultural spaces. Drawing inspiration from the Smithsonian Open Access collection and postcolonial theory, it explores how material culture tells stories that resist conventional chronology.
From the intricate artworks of ancient caliphates to the masterful craftsmanship of various dynasties, these artifacts speak of overlapping temporalities and shared histories. The project particularly focuses on the Middle East, where rich artistic traditions have flourished across centuries, even as modern conflicts threaten cultural preservation. By visualizing these artifacts and their origins, we not only map their geographic journey but also challenge ourselves to consider: How might we safeguard and document today's stories for tomorrow's memory?