Amidst vibrant textile sculptures that seem to melt or glitch, Azerbaijani artist Faig Ahmed explores mysticism, science, technology, and craft in his latest exhibition The Attention at the Venice Biennale.

Bridging the 15th-century Hurufi mystic tradition with modern information theory, Ahmed’s work delves into the convergence of digital processes and traditional hand-crafted techniques. His monumental machine-woven piece, titled “I Can Contain Both Worlds But I Do Not Fit Into This One,” serves as a metaphor for navigating our complex realities.

“The Attention” challenges visitors to ponder the duality of consciousness, merging outward scientific inquiry with inward spiritual exploration. Through various installations, Ahmed invites us to experience the subjective and objective simultaneously, much like quantum physics itself.

Reflecting on his artistic journey, Ahmed states that he has always been fascinated by exploring consciousness through both science and spirituality. His work at The Attention is a testament to this dual exploration, using ancient textile traditions to address contemporary issues of information overload and collective grief.