Mohamad Aaqib

Did you feel transformed after walking through @manikambo ’s luminous archway, Conduit? 🪬  What about @hannah.ayre ’s nostalgic nod to cycling and high-street bunting - which neon tire was your favourite? 🛞 BRILLIANT’s mission is to broaden the diversity of those working in light art. From @_thearchist ’s intricate structure drawing from Islamic art and Durham architecture, to @durhamspraypaints ’ impactful take on the erasure of those facing austerity within County Durham, we’re delighted to have showcased fantastic emerging and local artists as part of #LumiereDurham 2025. @kevin_edworthy ’s playful observation wrapped around @riverwalk was based on the true story of how the artist met his wife. Got any stories to share from your visit to the light art biennial? We’d love to hear them! 🔗 Click the link in bio to learn more about #LumiereDurham 2025. 💫 BRILLIANT 2025 is proudly sponsored by our returning Lumiere supporter, @emgsolicitors . Conduit is supported by @nationaltrust . FluoreCycle is supported by Citrus Group. Vault of Echoes is supported by @riverwalkdurham and Tracer High Performance Batteries. LOVE IS is supported by @riverwalkdurham . 🎥: @meerkatfilmsuk 📸: Vault of Echoes, Aaqib. Lumiere Durham 2025, produced by Artichoke. Photo by Matthew Andrews #DurhamCultureCounty Lumiere is produced by Artichoke and commissioned by @durham_county_council with support from @aceagrams , @northeast_ca , @durhamuniversity , @pointnorthcf and a raft of funders and supporters.

Throwback to an unforgettable Lumiere last week ✨ Crowds filled the Riverwalk, completely captivated by @_thearchist 's Vault of Echoes. Its intricate yet familiar patterns stopped people in their tracks. Watching everyone pause, absorb the moment and connect with the artwork reminded us why we’re proud to power creativity. It wasn’t just Vault of Echoes that inspired us. The entire festival was full of bold ideas and brilliant installations from artists around the world. Walking through the city and seeing each piece bring its own spark of imagination made Durham feel truly alive. A huge thank you to @artichoketrust for delivering another incredible Lumiere. It felt like a love letter to Durham and was the perfect swansong. We’re so grateful to have been part of it. #LumiereDurham #TracerPower #Lumiere2025 #LightArt #Culture

Vault of Echoes The ties that bind Vault of Echoes brings together two visual languages that have shaped my way of seeing — the concrete brutalism found in some of Durham’s landmarks and the intricate geometry of Islamic art. My work draws on my experience of how these traditions can coexist, creating a space where people can pause and reflect, both literally and metaphorically. This piece is inspired by the bold lines and presence of Kingsgate Bridge and Dunelm House. Big thanks to @artichoketrust @emgsolicitors @tracerpower @riverwalkdurham @durham_county_council Building the vision that lived in my head into reality From 13-15 November you can enjoy stunning artwork around Durham city center. #lumiere #durham #lights #durhambid #durhamcity #durhamcathedral #riverwalkdurham

Lumiere 2025 | Brilliant Spotlight ”This year’s BRILLIANT artworks range from provocative to contemplative to playful, and we’re especially proud that three of the selected artists are from the North East. It’s a joy to champion these artists and celebrate creativity rooted in this region” - Tilda Verrells, BRILLIANT Producer 🪬 Conduit by Mani Kambo (@manikambo ) draws inspiration from ancient threshold markers and spiritual gateways that exist across cultures. 🪟A light still shines by Lewis Hobson (@durhamspraypaints ) shows hope in the face of austerity, inspired by the window grates that are installed on homes in County Durham’s areas of deprivation. 🚲 FluoreCycle by Hannah Ayre (@hannah.ayre ) is a nostalgic and colourful love letter to cycling, inspired by high street bunting. 🕌 Vault of Echoes by Aaqib (@_theearchist ) brings together the visual languages of Durham’s concrete brutalism and the intricate geometry of Islamic art. 🩷 LOVE IS by Kevin Edworthy (@edworthyk ) reflects the artist’s romantic story of meeting his wife and the observations made in his street photography practice. 💫 BRILLIANT 2025 is proudly sponsored by our returning Lumiere supporter, @emgsolicitors . 📅: 13 - 15 Nov ⏰: 17:00 – 22:00 📍: Durham Conduit is supported by @nationaltrust . FluoreCycle is supported by Citrus Group. Vault of Echoes is supported by @riverwalkdurham and Tracer High Performance Batteries. LOVE IS is supported by @riverwalkdurham . #DurhamCultureCounty 📸: Images courtesy of the artists. Lumiere is produced by Artichoke and commissioned by @durham_county_council  with support from @aceagrams  , @northeast_ca  , @durhamuniversity , @pointnorthcf  and a raft of funders and supporters.

This artwork is inspired by Mughal art and architecture. I wanted to bring together elements like the garden, the archway, and columns, which are so often seen in Mughal design. In the centre, there’s a vase with flowers growing upwards, framed by the arch and supported by two columns. The blue background and gold detailing add to the richness of the piece, while the flowers give it life and movement. It’s not fully finished yet — I’d say only about 50% complete. I ran out of time and had to have it ready for the exhibition. Over the next few months, I’ll be adding more details and the elements I originally planned, to complete the work in the way I imagined it. #architecture #mughalart #islamicart #contemporaryart #artist #woodworking #flowers #leicester #art #luxury #fineart

‘Silsila’ is an Arabic word meaning chain/lineage. Take a journey through the opulent and intricate influence(s) from Mughal art. A rich blend of Persian, Indian (Gujarati), and Islamic dynasty. Working with @artstamp_hq (A loyalty app for the cultural world) On until 13th September from 12-6pm. #islamicart #mughal #heritage #leicester #art #artgallery #woodworking #lasercutwood #contemporaryart #architecture #artist #calligraphy

Silsila showcases a new body of work inspired by the fusion of Persian elegance, Indian vibrancy, and Islamic sophistication. Opening Night - 05.09.25 (6pm to 9pm) Working with @artstamp_hq . (A loyalty app for the cultural world)

Silsila showcases a new body of work inspired by the fusion of Persian elegance, Indian vibrancy, and Islamic sophistication. Opening Night - 05.09.25 (6pm to 9pm) Exhibiting at @studioname_leics (Art hub for all) until 13.09.25 Working with @artstamp_hq . (A loyalty app for the cultural world) Social media support by @lcbdepot Treats by @silviagmsfreire

Huge thanks to @lightupleicester for commissioning me to create this art piece (Noor Tower) for the light up Leicester festival. Inspired by the intricate geometric designs of Moroccan architecture, Noor Tower is a breathtaking LED sculpture that blends tradition with modern technology. Laser-cut wooden panels form delicate, interwoven patterns that echo the ornate tilework of Islamic art, while glowing LED lights illuminate the tower from within. This fusion of heritage and contemporary design creates a striking interplay of light and shadow, celebrating cultural beauty through a modern lens. The Noor Tower is a part of the Light up Leicester, but it also made a perfect backdrop for the Iftar event. I’m really honored to be part of Leicester’s first open Iftar in this way. My artwork represents unity, which is the main theme for this event. Bringing together different influences, patterns, and layers to create something whole. It’s about connection, culture, and shared experiences. #lightupleicester #leicester #openiftar #art #ramadan #openiftar #islamicarchitecture #morocco🇲🇦 #london

Evolution. Evolves in to 12 different variations. This piece can be configured to 12 different variations. Just like an Islamic geometric metric pattern is endless and can go on forever this piece can be cut and made infinitely. Showed this piece at @florencetrust at the Holy Trinity church in Islington Still need to make few changes to the design so it’s easy to install. #artist #london #woodworking #art #layeredart #homedecor #instagram #instaart #lasercut #fineart #edinburg #architecture @_thearchist #islamicart #contemporaryart #

A group show @florencetrust including @artbyakhalifa @_thearchist @birksworks @spottedhyenas @jonathandredge @yuka_namekawa @rosanaantoli @stevenallbutt