Dreams & Prayer

Dreams and Prayer emerged in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when confinement reshaped our realities. Over a month, I meticulously sewed together prayer rugs, transforming them into a stage for a series of portraits that serve as a surreal exploration of socio-religious identity—an essential chapter in my visual diary.

This series delves into the intricate relationship between dreams and prayer. When we center our lives around prayer, do we seek material desires, health, prosperity, healing, or simply guidance from a higher power? Dreams provide a space for the spirit to recharge, while prayers connect us to our aspirations. For some, dreams are surreal; for others, they symbolize future possibilities, rich with meaning for those closely connected.

Through the construction of prayer rugs and accompanying imagery, I highlight the beauty and significance of my dreams and prayers. In Islam, prayer is referred to as Noor (light), and I employ symbolism from both Islamic and African cultures to explore universal themes. For instance, Weurseuk (Luck) reflects the belief that water signifies abundance, with children symbolizing joy and hope. The recurring use of white in my work invokes purity, while references to the Wolof language ground the series in my personal experiences.

Ultimately, Dreams and Prayer invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of faith, hope, and connection in a world yearning for meaning.