African Byzantium
Beautiful exhibit at The Met on Byzantine influences in northern Africa. Textile curtains which protect the home from heat and visibility become death shrouds that hold the body at the end of life. Teeny tiny tiles are set into wax on wood panel to create luminous mosaics whose color has not faded. Ink on parchment create books and scrolls with prayers for healing. Finally, a contemporary use of incorporating light into an object, with dangling mirrors and electricity.
