ROAD TO MAKKAH

The journey to Makkah is one of profound spiritual significance, symbolizing devotion, perseverance, and reflection. Road to Makkah is a collaborative art installation by Bachir Mohamad and Ahmad Al Emadi, inspired by the universal act of pilgrimage and the physical, emotional, and spiritual distance traveled by those who seek the sacred city.

This artwork reinterprets a familiar highway sign—an everyday object transformed into a symbol of longing, direction, and faith. Constructed with aluminum extruded planks, reflective stickers, and galvanized poles, the installation mirrors the road markers that guide travelers toward their destination. Yet, beyond its literal function, it invites viewers to contemplate their own personal journeys—whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.

The sign prominently displays the distance to Makkah, 1,447 kilometers, alongside markers for nearby locations, grounding the work in the geography of the region. This measured distance acts as a metaphor for the space between the self and the sacred, between the worldly and the divine.

By placing a utilitarian structure within an artistic and conceptual framework, Road to Makkah challenges the viewer to reflect on the meaning of direction—not just in travel, but in purpose. It serves as a reminder that the road to something greater is always present, marked by signs, choices, and moments of introspection.