Sonic Swirl & Silence is a light and sound installation created by Pakistani musician Zohaib Kazi from images and recordings of some of the most important Sufi sites in Pakistan – including the shrines dedicated to Sufi saints Lal Shahbas Qalander and Laki Shah Sadar, and to the revered Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.

This atmospheric installation introduces us to the devout Sufis who journey to these sacred sites, the music and dance that’s such a vital part of Sufism, and the extraordinary power of this deeply spiritual practice.

The projections that accompany the sound you’ll hear don’t match and are a dream-like collection of images and film, capturing both the quiet stillness of spiritual spaces, and the intense, almost trance-like experiences of those present.

The projections are on a loop, so you might arrive part way through, but that won’t matter. Some images are repeated, if not specifically, then thematically. The following is a representation of the whole.

In a shadowy half light a golden fringe sways on the edge of fabric and hard edged rows of squares, like chocolate, pull into focus revealing a mosaic of unknown scale.

An open doorway with copper surround is textured with Sindhi – the language of the province where the shrine is located. Lights blur as we pass at speed and birds fly past the golden dome of a mosque.

Tasselled cloth and tiled floors, bejewelled mirrors and arched Arabic windows let light into a shaded room. Men dance with their eyes closed. Some play instruments in the dark, others beat their chests in the light, a close-up of a bearded man singing. Then rows of jewelled rings move in and out of focus. Cobalt blue tiles grow vines and hands beat drums as ceiling fans spin to cool the air in rooms of exquisitely carved wood.

Sticks beat drums and strings of lights shimmer draped over the Qubba. Skirts swirl as feet turn and in and out of focus come the strings of instruments.

In slow motion abird flies across a golden-domed mosque set against midday blue skies. Stained glass windows acho the order of Rangoli patterns, and Islamic text in green sparkle hangs on banners.
Outdoor crumbling stonework contrasts with an indoor highly decorated dome.

People bustle a quiet outdoor balcony – home to a row of graves – invites nature and the spirit to gather and merge against a rocky backdrop.

Inside again where clashing patterns of tiles still manage to feel restful.

Through an open, arched doorway a man sits alone
turning the pages of an enormous holy book as daylight streams through an open window.

At night we move through outdoor sacred places festooned with lights. A crescent moon in brass stands tall against daybreak. Then indistinguishable, blurred images hint at gathering people worshipping and giving thanks – dancing, hands raised, united.

Children press their faces against ornate woodwork. Close-ups show the detail as light traces across to change the perspective.

Final glimpses of a musician playing, ringed fingers on strings, fade and form into black.