We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

Igshaan Adams

Igshaan Adams Threshold 2019, Art Gallery of New South Wales, © Igshaan Adams

Igshaan Adams Threshold 2019, Art Gallery of New South Wales, © Igshaan Adams

Threshold 2019

This veil of hand-dyed cotton recalls the strings of beads that sometimes hang between the rooms of houses. The delicate objects bound into it reproduce the patterns of a time-worn prayer mat that was gifted to artist Igshaan Adams, who is a practising Muslim. Creating such works, Adams has said, is a process akin to prayer and meditation – repetitive actions that allow those who make them to discover and move through thresholds in life.

  • K–6 discussion questions

    • Describe what you see when you look at Adams’ installation. What object does it look like? If you were to display it in your home, where would you put it and why? 

    • Threshold is a textile installation. Describe how it is different from a painting or drawing. Imagine the artist at work. How long do you think it took to create this work?  

    • The patterning in this artwork traces the worn parts of a prayer mat owned by the artist. Imagine the well-trodden areas in your home. What would a map of these paths look like? 

  • K–6 activities

    • This artwork is made from cotton thread, stones, glass and plastic beads, and tea. Collect small objects from your own neighbourhood and create a detailed artwork that reflects something about you and your world.

    • Create an artwork that explores the idea of movement. Think about the materials you could use and where and how you would display it. 

  • 7–12 discussion questions

    • Threshold depicts the worn areas of a prayer mat. Discuss how this work references the repetition and rituals of daily life, and how it communicates human presence. How does it relate to Adams’ own life? 

  • 7–12 activities

    • Consider words that might describe this artwork, such as meticulous, intricate, devotional and delicate. Create your own textile work that reflects some of these ideas and how they might relate to your own experiences. 

    • Discuss the significance of the artwork’s title, Threshold. Create an artwork that responds to the idea of a threshold while considering your personal ideas, beliefs and traditions.