Dervishes

Name: Dervishes
Brand: Gregory Davies
SKU: GRD18011
Availability: InStock

Availability: 32 in stock

£130

“The sema is performed by the Mevlevi Sufi order which was founded by the followers of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi – a 13th Century Sufi Master, Mystic and Poet.

“In compassion and grace, be like the sun…
In concealing other’s faults, be like the night…
In generosity and helping others, be like a river…
In anger and fury, be like dead…
In modesty and humility, be like the earth…
In tolerance, be like the sea…
Either appear as you are, or be as you appear..” – Rumi

One by one the dervishes remove their black attire, symbolizing the separation from the ego. The tunic that is exposed is called the hirka and is a very symbolic garment, sewn by the dervishes themselves or passed on. Their white tunics shine with splendor. This white garment has a long sleeveless robe, on top of which is worn a short jacket that is tied at the waist. One of them, the Chief Sema dancer (Semazenbası) stands at the most honored corner of the dancing place holding the space, and the dervishes pass him three times each time exchanging greetings until the circling movement starts.

At the onset and each stop of the Sema, holding his arms crosswise he represents the number one, and testifies to God’s unity. While whirling his arms are open, his right hand directed to the skies ready to receive God’s beneficence, looking to his left hand turned toward the earth, he turns from right to left around the heart. This is his way of conveying God’s spiritual gift to the people upon whom he looks with the eyes of God. Revolving around the heart, from right to left, he embraces all mankind, all creation with affection and love.”

Includes a 1.6 cm x 2.6 cm pure white inside border. Our limited editions are printed to the highest standards and made to order for environmental reasons. Each print is numbered and hand-signed by the artist.

DIMENSIONS | 42 x 29.7 cm

MEDIUM | Archival Ink on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Paper | Limited Edition of 50 Giclée prints

AUTHENTICITY | Signed certificate of authenticity

FRAMING |

For our framing options, head to our Framing page

SHIPPING |

All our artworks are packed with the greatest care in our eco-packaging. Shipping can take between 1-2 weeks from order. Framing time can take up to 6 weeks. For shorter timeframe requirements please email info@bleurart.com

ARTIST BIO
GREGORY DAVIES

Gregory Davies is a professional photographer with 20 years of experience in photography and regularly commissioned by household brands and institutions including The Boutique Workspace, Marriott International, Ritz London, Oxford University, Salesforce, Byron & Byron, Moroccan Bazar, Poker Stars UK and Alibaba.com. Gregory received his first camera at the age of 23 before setting off on his travels and immediately fell in love with photography. After spending a few years in the private sector, he decided to leave and follow his passion. Since then, his unique way of capturing moments has been sought after in commercial, interior and portrait photography and has earned him industry recognition and awards including three times Best Houzz Interior Awards in Design Photography.

At the heart of Gregory’s practice is the drive to capture the moment and fleeting emotions within it. Using his lens as a magnifying glass, Gregory’s insatiable and at times obsessive curiosity leads him to delve deep into each subject in a frantic and restless search for the perfect shot. Simultaneously detached as an observer and involved in the moment, Gregory finds, through his camera, a way to engage with his environment. A strong sense of wonder and fortuitous encounters guide the next exploration that catches his eye.

“When taking a photograph, you capture a moment in time and aspects of this moment that you might not even be consciously aware of at the time. Looking at the image afterwards suddenly all the stories unfold from that snapshot in time. That's the driving force when I shoot.”

From people to places, Gregory’s photographs are soul-enriching anthropological studies of the present moment. Through his photographs, Gregory’s intention is to convey a feeling that creates wonder and sparks the imagination of the viewer. Intuitively, he picks up his camera and takes us with him on his journey into the unknown. There is a beautiful and simultaneously terrifying freedom and a love for adventure inherent to Gregory’s practice. Letting go of anything else but the present moment and the freedom that comes with the lack of expectations, Gregory opens the door to the unknown world of possibilities for us. Through Gregory’s lens, each captured moment becomes a celebration of the ephemeral and transient living memories of places in motion.

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Education | Member of British Institute of Professional Photographers

Awards | Best of Houzz Interior Awards (online): Design Photography, 2016; Customer Select & Design Photography, 2015; Design Photography, 2014