Capitol Hill, which houses the seat of the government, is probably one of the most fascinating places in the USA. Not long after its completion, the Capitol was partially burned by the British during the War of 1812. In January 2021, for the second time, the Capitol was violently seized by a mob. The rioters dramatic breach, and the resulting attack and assault, have become a new visual reference in history.
Mahbubur Rahman developed ‘Temple of Democracy’ by juxtaposing images of classical ceiling paintings on the dome of the Capitol Hill and reference images of the attack. The circular or multi angular compositions of the characters are dominant in the work. Although the visual mix was developed by AI, the outcome was made entirely by hand, through collaborative human engagement. ‘Temple of Democracy’ touches on the complex process of how political events enacted in different parts of the world, are received as digital images in other parts, and finally perceived, transmitted and transformed into tangible objects through human mediation.
The ‘Temple of Democracy’ project was materialised by a group of village women through hand-embroidery, using multi coloured thread on silk fabric. Both sides of the large round-shaped piece are exposed as a testament to the human conception of a dramatic political assault.