2016
Brass, 99x64x35 cm
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Khayyam is titled after the 14th century iconic Iranian poet Omar Khayyam, also known as the mathematician and astrologist who invented the Persian Solar calendar. The work is a kinetic sculpture resembling an ancient scientific apparatus. By turning the crank, the wheels start to rotate in the opposite direction. While the big wheel encloses an astrolabe, Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man is framed in the small wheel. The rotation of the Vitruvian man around the astrolabe refers to the passing of time, as well as a sense of wonder and suspense in man’s life: one of the main themes of Khayyam’s poetry. Moreover, the choice of the Vitruvian Man as the representative of the human being, is an effort to draw a connection between Da Vinci and Khayyam, two of the most prominent multidisciplinary artists and scientists in history.