To Re-Cite: Ayat al-Kursi – Sound, Faith, and Collective Listening
Aliaskar Abarkas’ To Re-Cite: Ayat al-Kursi – Sound, Faith, and Collective Listening is a new commission exploring sound, music, and listening through faith and collective experience.
Through a series of workshops which took place throughout April and May 2026, Aliaskar brought together members of Counterpoints’ community with Muslim backgrounds to share ideas, and reflections on how sonic practices – from recitation and prayer to breath, rhythm, and silence – shape spiritual, emotional, and communal life. The starting point of the project is the Quranic verse Ayat al-Kursi, whispered across generations, transmitted as both lullaby and sonic protection.
Join Aliaskar in conversation on 30 July for a talk with musician and architect, Mhamad Safa and curator, researcher, and writer, Mariam Elnozahy, that will expand on themes emerging from the workshops. They’ll reflect on how sonic practices – from recitation and prayer to breath, rhythm, and silence – shape spiritual, emotional, and communal life.
About Aliaskar Abarkas
Aliaskar Abarkas is an Iranian artist based in London.
Rooted in alternative and communal art education, his practice stages choreographic encounters that move from individual elements into collective expression. Often in dialogue with historical sources, Abarkas builds collaborative frameworks that invite participants to interpret and activate inherited scores through music, exhibition, and performance-making.
He is currently an Associate Artist at Sadler’s Wells / Rose Choreographic School (London, 2024–26) and Lead Artist at Autograph Gallery (Acts of Solidarity, in partnership with All Change, London, 2025–28). He holds a BA in Visual Cultures from the University of Tehran and an MA in the Theory of Contemporary Art and Politics from Goldsmiths, University of London. Previous residencies include Cubitt Gallery and the Swiss Church (London), as well as Rupert (Lithuania), the Institute of Postnatural Studies (Madrid), Castro (Rome), Open School East, and Syllabus V (UK), among others.
His work has been supported by institutions including the Barbican Centre, ICA, The Mosaic Rooms, TACO!, Pushkin House, LUX (London), CAPC (Bordeaux), LOCALES (Rome), Scuola Piccola Zattere (Venice), and CIRCA. Upcoming projects include commissions and collaborations with Arts Catalyst (Sheffield), YDP Foundation (London), and the Singapore Art Museum.
