The Middle is a public sculpture created by artist Aman Aheer, in collaboration with Dr Taushif Kara (Lecturer in Islamic Studies in the Department of Theology & Religious Studies).

Drawing on different theologies and practices relating to death and mourning, The Middle asks the viewer to consider the precarious and often ambiguous space in between. What does it mean to live on the threshold, or exist on the border? And what does it feel like to seek sanctuary?

The Middle represents Aheer's  reflection on the ambiguous concept of barzakh: an Arabic term used to describe the intermediate state between death and the afterlife. While the concept tends to be understood mainly in spiritual terms, barzakh can also be translated as a physical “barrier” or “obstacle,” and is used twice in the Qur’an to describe the impenetrable border between fresh and salt water – where the river meets the ocean. Some Muslim philosophers even likened it to a dreamworld or a state somewhere between the material and spiritual realms.

Aheer explores these conceptual ambiguities with reference to concrete materials. The sculpture resembles various liminal or transitory structures such as a funeral pyre, burial stretcher, or ladder. When preparing the poles, the artist deployed the shou sugi ban technique, a Japanese method of preserving wood and making it more durable by partially burning it.

The Middle is free to view on the Activity Lawn next to St Mary le Strand church, in the Strand pedestrianised space.

This event forms part of Lost and Found: Stories of sanctuary and belonging.

Lost & Found foregrounds stories of sanctuary - exploring themes of refuge, resilience, and the search for safety in a world facing significant social, political, and environmental challenges.

This eclectic programme of art, film, ideas and discussions reflects King’s status as a University of Sanctuary. It has been inspired and informed by King’s life-changing research and co-created with artists and communities from across London and beyond.

This sculpture was made possible by an Arts Abroad grant from the Canada Council for the Arts.

About the Contributors

Aman Aheer is an artist working through several different media. Though primarily working through painting, his practice also incorporates both found objects and organic materials, including iron and waste. He is a graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver and has exhibited globally, including most recently at the Dystopia Biennale in Berlin. Aheer’s solo exhibitions include Twin (Chapter 6, Shanghai), body double (indigo+madder, London), and Man is Not a Bird (St Peter’s Church, Cambridge).

Dr Taushif Kara is Lecturer in Islamic Studies in the Department of Theology & Religious Studies. He is an historian of Muslim political thought and has ongoing research on the concept of barzakh, including its intellectual history and contemporary uses.

Events

You can learn more about The Middle  at one of our free events, including a tour with artist Aman Aheer and a panel discussion with Aman Aheer, Lecturer Dr Taushif Kara and writer RZ Baschir. Book your free tickets below. 

The Middle: Tour with artist Aman Aheer - 21 November 2024 12:30 to 15:00

Living in the Middle: Making Art After Life - 26 November 2024 18:00 to 19:30