Planted, 2023

A Place Where Spirits Collide 2023, Asylum Chapel, London - Curated by Nina Wong

‘Planted’ was inspired by mysticism and the my deep yearning to prostrate in Islamic prayer, where the forehead is rooted to the ground with the heart risen above it. An act of submission which also signifies the freeing of the egoic mind and a heart open to the inner dimensions (Bāṭin). The artwork also incorporates symbolism drawn from sacred geometry, reflecting themes of life, death, and enlightenment.

Materials: Lily, Pine Cone, Rose Quartz, Soil

Dimensions: Variable

Photographs by Morrigan Rawson

©Izna Bandey

Water,  2016

Fine Art Degree Show 2016, De Montfort University, Leicester

During my residency at the Cyprus College of Art, I spent much of my time by the beach, listening to the soothing sound of the waves. I watched as they rose and fell, crashing against the rocks and sending droplets of water into the air. I found this meditative experience deeply cleansing, fostering a connection between my breath and the rhythmic motions of nature.

In response to this, I created an immersive installation that engaged the senses. It featured branches crystallised with broken glass, set in soil that filled the air with a rich, earthy scent.

Accompanied by the sound of my breathing, the installation synchronised with the ebb and flow of dimming and brightening light, creating a loop of sensory experience. "Water" invites observers to immerse themselves in the installation, allowing them to engage with it for as long or as briefly as they desire.

Materials: Branches, Broken Glass, Lights, Sound, Soil, Beanbag

Dimensions: Variable

©Izna Bandey

Who Am I?, 2016

Materials: Wooden Frames [2ftx8ft], paper, acetate, ink, customised labels.

Dimensions: Variable

©Izna Bandey

Let Go, 2015

Lightning, and the ground shook under her feet. Her visual senses and spatial awareness heightened, she felt the beat of her heart race, all too aware of life and the possibility of death. Spiritual or physical? It felt too real. In every glance she could imagine its possibility.

Prior to this, she had chosen to ‘let go’. Her body emptied, light travelling through her crown and down, clearing everything along the way, til it reached the solar plexus. The light, struggling to travel further, though it may have. Panic took over, consciousness reaching new heights.

From this experience, I created the immersive installation named ‘Let Go’ which evokes the senses. Created using nails sticking out of every black wall and ceiling. The room is dark. The viewer enters.

Materials: Screws, light

Dimensions: Variable

©Izna Bandey

Untitled, 2015, Abbey Park , Leicester

Materials: Wooden frames [2ftx8ft], Aluminium

©Izna Bandey

Dimensions, 2015, Abbey Park , Leicester

Materials: Wooden frames [2ftx8ft]

©Izna Bandey

Chimes, 2015, Abbey Park, Leicester

Materials: Wooden Frames [2ftx8ft], customised labels, shoes

Dimensions: Variable

©Izna Bandey

There are No Words, 2014

Tate Staff Biennale 2018, Tate Modern, London - Curated by InsideJob Collective

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Dilettantes of Art 2015, The Exchange, Leicester

Materials: paper [white/black], pigment ink, ink, book torch [black] and book stand

Dimensions: Variable

©Izna Bandey

I Am, 2014

Glimpse into the lit room(dark rooms) ＆ Entrance sign -Dimensions: 59.4cmx84.1cm

Materials: Wooden frames [2ftx8ft], black fabric, mirrors, lights and a sign.

Dimensions: Variable

©Izna Bandey

"The one who didn't visit your temple was you.", 2014

Inspired by Chiharu Shiota's installations, I created my first piece titled “The one who didn’t visit your temple was you”, name drawn from the Sufi song *Mori Araj*.

This theatrical installation, rich with traditional mystical symbolism, marks the beginning of my journey into self-exploration and serves as the foundation for all subsequent works.

Materials: Sand, wool [black/white], fresh roses, gemstones, golden chalice, mirror, fairy lights, white fabric, red paint and pigment.

Dimensions: Variable

©Izna Bandey