| Title | Orientation Cube |
| Artist / Creator | Islam Aly |
| Artist's Nationality | United States |
| Place of Publication | Iowa City, IA |
| Publication Date | 2014 |
| Subject | Religion |
| Process / Technique | Laser cutting, laser engraving |
| Structure / Binding | Two needle coptic sewing and coptic end bands |
| Medium / Materials | Plexiglas |
| Paper Stock | Mould-made Johannot paper |
| Number of Pages | 30 sections, each section have three folios |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.3 x 3.9 x 3.3 inches |
| Edition Size | Edition of 30 |
| Box / Wrapper | Presented in a folding box |
| Signed & Numbered | Yes |
This book is inspired by The Kaaba, a cuboid building at the center of Islam's most sacred mosque, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred point within this most sacred mosque, making it the most sacred location in Islam. Wherever they are in the world, Muslims are expected to face the Kaaba when performing prayers. In addition one of the Five Pillars of Islam requires every Muslim to perform the hajj pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime, if one is able. Multiple parts of the hajj require pilgrims to make circumambulation seven times around the Kaaba. A tiny black cube is positioned at the center of the inner back board, around which are concentric circles cut in the thirty sections of the book to reflect the process of circumambulation.
Artist Bio
Islam Aly received a BA and an M.A. in Art Education from Helwan University, Egypt. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate, College Of Education, Art Education program, University Of Iowa. In 2011 he joined the MFA program at the University Of Iowa Center for the Book. He use the historical and cultural references from historical models in his book art. He is exploring ways to use the rich structure of historical books in teaching contemporary artists' book practice.