Baktash Sarang Javanbakht

The Rock 181

Baktash Sarang Javanbakht’s The Rock 181 explores themes of permanence and change through the medium of sculpted stone. The work features a wooden cabinet, displaying a series of stones wrapped in string, with three holy books open below and maps of Palestine’s borders (at various points in time) printed on glass – a striking fusion of natural elements and human history. The stones are the central motif of the work, symbolizing the stones that Palestinian children throw as their only weapon. Some of the stones were brought over from the region by a friend of the artist. Stones and cliffs are also mentioned in the open passages of the three holy books, and the phrase “Dome of the Rock”, which is often mistaken with Al Aqsa Mosque, whilst this Rock is a holy place for the three religions of Judaism, Islam and Christian. The image printed on glass is the map of Palestine and the continuous changes to its borders. The number 181 refers to the UN’s 1947 plan to divide Palestine. The detailed craftsmanship highlights the artist’s ability to transform raw, organic materials into a narrative canvas. Javanbakht’s work often delves into the intersection of the ancient and the modern, and this is no exception, as it evokes a timeless quality while simultaneously commenting on contemporary issues. Through this juxtaposition, Javanbakht invites viewers to reflect on the enduring nature of cultural heritage amidst the ever-changing tides of time and societal evolution.