As Above So Below

Abstract

This thesis examines the making of As Above So Below, the body of work by Ramina Habibollah for the graduation exhibition Kuvan Kevät 2025 at the Academy of Fine Arts, University of Arts Helsinki.

Exhibited from 17th of May to 15th of June 2025, As Above So Below consisted of nine (9) aluminium oil sand casts, eight (8) glass sand casts, and a neon light sculpture—exploring the notion of the concealed twin, the shadow self, the doppelgänger, through the process of tapping into the subconscious using intuitive drawing as a method.

Through a lens of sensorial, corporeal and sensual epistemologies, as well as questions of belonging, this thesis explores magical ideas of multiple selves in an artistic context. Touching upon the notion of the double self in Abrahamic mysticism, it does not intend to rationalize or answer a question but rather seeks to remain in the ambivalence of the concealed.

In the chapter THE FILTER, Ramina reflects on the idea of an artist as the filter, and the concept of Umwelt, the unique sensory experience of the world of an organism in relation to art making and process sharing.

Through unraveling and reweaving fragmented entanglements of parallel realms and multiple selves, Ramina reflects on the mystical and alchemical processes of mould making and casting within the context of her intuitive drawing practice.

Reflecting on her lived experience as an immigrant, she provides personal anecdotes that intertwine together the mystical themes of her thesis into a more tangible form.

Throughout the thesis, she acknowledges the role of synchronicity and community in the progress and realization of her art.

In the chapter Studying during difficult times, Ramina reflects on her time studying at KuvA for the past five years. She touches upon the importance of remembering and cherishing the lineage of KuvA artists who came before her, navigating life and studies in similar contexts and with similar challenges. Parallel to this, she reflects on the relationship and the disconnect between spiritual affairs and political activism, specifically in the context of student activism in the Academy of Fine Arts Helsinki in the past two years.