Rooted in ancient beliefs and social rituals, Al Ayn—also known as the ‘Evil Eye’—is a cultural artefact that emanates from the notion that an envious gaze can bring down illness, misfortune or harm upon another person, corrupting an achievement or souring good fortune. The methods to avert this are many and varied, ranging from protective symbols to social rituals.
For Kuwaiti-Indian multimedia artist Zahed Sultan, the concept of Al Ayn has become something of a fascination, both for its complex history and its myriad aesthetics. The constant evolution of Al Ayn offers much to explore as—in his eyes—it speaks to a fundamental aspect of human nature.
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“When faced with sudden misfortune, people naturally ask why it happened to them,” Sultan tells The Kurator. “Whether through ancient amulets, or modern wellness concepts like avoiding negative energy, the practices that have grown up around Al Ayn offer accessible, comforting methods to maintain a sense of protection and control over the unknown.
“I’m drawn to Al Ayn because it represents a cultural memory where everyday traditions become carriers of stories and create tension between preservation and erasure,” he continues.
