From mid September to mid December of 2016 I was in Chicago for a medical vacation. During this period I had the opportunity to think and reflect on a few things that I have had on my mind for a while. As this mental process was coming along, I noticed a regular theme. Though I called my family occasionally, my mom always called at the right time. It was as though she knew when I was reaching my limit. 

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At the end of each of our conversations she would end with Surah Al-Ikhlas from the Quran. I came to associate that verse with comfort during my times of extreme physical discomfort. As there are 6 lines to the verse, I thought of 6 moments that defined my time in Chicago. Chicago for me represents a lot of personal growth because for the first time I felt like I truely started the process of finding my center.

 

This project's purpose is to  develop 6 pictures (hopefully paintings) that combine the verses of Surah Al Ikhlas with 6 prominent events that defined my trip and abstracted views of the city of Chicago. 

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The images blelow show my process as I develop the images. They will be updated periodically