Majestic-looking and brilliantly designed, just a few terms that describe the elephant-shaped water clock topped by a towering canopy adorned with human and animal figures. Situated in the Ibn Battuta Mall of Dubai, the clock was built following the designs of the original model from the XIII Century and is an homage to its creator, Al-Jazari. Born in Upper Mesopotamia, Al Jazari was a man of many talents - mechanical engineer, artisan, artist and inventor. He was also the author of the Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices, in which he described 50 machines, illustrated with colour drawings, including one of this very clock design. The whole thing is based on a water tank within the body of the elephant into which a perforated basin slowly submerges, setting off a series of reactions - a dragon swallowing a sphere, a human figure raising their right or left hand, depending on whether it is half-past the hour or the hour exactly, the elephant driver striking a drum and the phoenix on the roof of the tower calling out, as the dragon returns to its original position and the whole system resets again. It is a brilliant design, it is fascinating to observe, and, furthermore, it not only represents an important achievement in mechanical engineering but, thanks to the various symbols belonging to various cultures, is also a fascinating historical example of multiculturalism.
The Casablanca Art School: Platforms and Patterns for a Postcolonial Avant-Garde 1962–1987
In the euphoric climate following Morocco's independence in 1956, the staff and students of the Casablanca Art School (CAS) created an artistic revolution that integrated abstract art with African and Amazigh traditions.
This is the first major exhibition of Lala Rukh's work, reflecting on three decades of drawing, printmaking, photography and video, produced against the backdrop of political unrest and feminist movements in Pakistan.
Drawing from astrology, religion and spirituality, the Ethiopian art form of telsem interweaves symbols, drawings and texts imbued with spiritual and philosophical significance.
James Blunt's Highly Anticipated Seventh Album Live Preview
Singer-songwriter James Blunt is ready to fascinate the public with his next tour, entitled Who We Used To Be the same as the highly anticipated seventh studio album recorded by the artist.