Yusuf Misdaq
“Ashtiname”
Open Studio | Performance | Meditation
Charleston, SC | Spring 2023
FSA Artist-in-Residence Yusuf Misdaq’s spring residency in Charleston was inspired by the Prophet Muhammad’s “The Letter of Ashtiname,” (623 CE) including his open studio (featuring both in-process and completed works), a live performance at FSA’s Garden Party, and a Sufi meditation.
Directed to a group of Christian monks who resided in an ancient monastery on Mt. Sinai, “The Letter of Ashtiname,” goes at lengths to elevate the status of Christians, guaranteeing their safety, ensuring their protection and rights. It highlights the Prophet Muhammad’s immense compassion, generosity, and unifying vision for the world, which Misdaq feels has been historically misunderstood. (A copy of the original letter and English translation is below in the links under “Read”). Misdaq’s project “Ashtiname” is the title of the live performance and work exhibited at his FSA open studio.
Open Studio + Performance
Misdaq’s open studio exhibited a collection of works ranging in mediums that reflect his creative process and play between sonic, poetic, technological, and physical materials: a series of digital prints (“Tajjali,” 2023), a website (“Eternal Poetry,” ongoing) and a film screened upstairs in his living quarters (“Ocean of Safety,” 2014).
“Tajalli” was developed using a multi-layered process consisting of digital collage, AI, and photography. Originally creating 14 prints, Misdaq selected six particular works for this particular narrative series depicting the dissolution of the self in prayer and meditation. While the images have individual titles, Misdaq chose to exhibit these works without captions on the gallery wall, framing them with wood that he foraged from construction sites throughout downtown Charleston.
Along the back studio wall, Misdaq featured a collage of poems penned and painted on a milieu of surfaces – paper, napkins, disposable plates, and fabric.
Program Documentation + Select Images
Video documentation of Yusuf Misdaq’s residency projects in Charleston. Produced by Foundation for Spirituality and the Arts.
Video documentation of Yusuf Misdaq’s full "Ashtiname" performance at the FSA Garden Party. Produced by Foundation for Spirituality and the Arts.
Yusuf Misdaq, "Ashtiname," 2023. Performance. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
Yusuf Misdaq, "Ashtiname," 2023. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
Yusuf Misdaq, "The Fall of Love," 2023. Poem. Paper, paint, pencil. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
Yusuf Misdaq, "Ashtiname: Open Studio," 2023. Poetry installation: paper, napkin, paper plate, cloth, paint, pen. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
Books of poetry written by Yusuf Misdaq. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
Yusuf Misdaq, “Tajjali,” 2023. Digital print, one of six. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
Yusuf Misdaq, “Tajjali,” 2023. Digital prints, found wood. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
Yusuf Misdaq, "Eternal Poetry," ongoing. Desk assembled from found wood, monitor, webpage. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
Open Studio screening: Yusuf Misdaq, "Ocean of Safety," 2014. Film. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
CLICK HERE to listen to Yusuf Misdaq on Charleston Radio OHM Radio 96.3, "Divine Dance Party," May 1st, 2023. Selection and Cover Image from "Misted Almond Legacy" (2017).
Yusuf Misdaq, "Ashtiname," 2023. Performance. As part of FSA’s Artist-in-Residence Open Studio in Charleston.
Yusuf Misdaq, "Sufi Meditation," 2023. Public program hosted by the Unitarian Church in Charleston.
