The “Sabab” series of paintings by contemporary Dagestani artist Said Tikhilov consists of seven works. They show simple symbols, which form a common sacred meaning. All the paintings share the same drawing — a triangle — in the center, but the design and harmony of color combinations create different moods. The main themes of each of the seven paintings are history, prayer and faith.
The word “sabab” means “reason” in Arabic. Islam teaches that Allah tests man throughout his life, watching over his actions, thoughts, and decisions. Every event in life is a test by God’s will, and He is watching to see how people deal with it. The word “sabab” is also used to mean a “talisman”, a sacred object with the texts of the Quran and the prayers of Prophet Muhammad. Sabab is meant to protect the home and the person, to attract success, health and prosperity. Sababs are usually worn around the neck or hung at the entrance to the house. They can be used as a talismans only when a Muslim realizes that only Allah helps, and talismans are only a means.
In the polyptych “Sabab” Said Tikhilov tried to transform the messages of ritual signs and texts into fine art. The color of the sabab depended on the kind of protection one was looking for. Said Tikhilov based this series on these variations. Green in Islam is a symbol of youth and abundance, blue — the presence of God and grace, yellow — wealth, luxury and achievement. Each sabab has its own proportions of colors and life values. The shape of a triangle has a sacred meaning: in magic, the figure of three represents the phases of human life and the unity of the worlds of deities, humans and otherworldly entities. The artist used a mixed technique of gouache, oil and acrylic to convey the idea and create the emotional work.
Said Tikhilov is an Honored Artist of the Republic of Dagestan, illustrator, writer and experimentalist. His works have been exhibited in many cities in Russia and around the world. According to him, the main thing in painting for the artist is the idea: “Paying tribute to the paintings as individual works, I try to convey the mood, not just arrange the shapes.”
The word “sabab” means “reason” in Arabic. Islam teaches that Allah tests man throughout his life, watching over his actions, thoughts, and decisions. Every event in life is a test by God’s will, and He is watching to see how people deal with it. The word “sabab” is also used to mean a “talisman”, a sacred object with the texts of the Quran and the prayers of Prophet Muhammad. Sabab is meant to protect the home and the person, to attract success, health and prosperity. Sababs are usually worn around the neck or hung at the entrance to the house. They can be used as a talismans only when a Muslim realizes that only Allah helps, and talismans are only a means.
In the polyptych “Sabab” Said Tikhilov tried to transform the messages of ritual signs and texts into fine art. The color of the sabab depended on the kind of protection one was looking for. Said Tikhilov based this series on these variations. Green in Islam is a symbol of youth and abundance, blue — the presence of God and grace, yellow — wealth, luxury and achievement. Each sabab has its own proportions of colors and life values. The shape of a triangle has a sacred meaning: in magic, the figure of three represents the phases of human life and the unity of the worlds of deities, humans and otherworldly entities. The artist used a mixed technique of gouache, oil and acrylic to convey the idea and create the emotional work.
Said Tikhilov is an Honored Artist of the Republic of Dagestan, illustrator, writer and experimentalist. His works have been exhibited in many cities in Russia and around the world. According to him, the main thing in painting for the artist is the idea: “Paying tribute to the paintings as individual works, I try to convey the mood, not just arrange the shapes.”
