Mosque of the Prophet, Medina, Saudi Arabia 1996

Curator: This is Langlands & Bell’s "Mosque of the Prophet, Medina, Saudi Arabia," housed right here at the Tate. Editor: It's so minimal, almost ghostly. The repeating squares give a sense of vastness despite the limited palette. What materials are at play here? Curator: The artists often work with digital technologies and, in this case, a pristine white medium. The geometric pattern references architectural design, but speaks to the social and political weight of religious spaces. Editor: I find the starkness provocative. It prompts questions about the commodification of sacred spaces, and how we consume architectural images. Curator: Precisely! By stripping away the visual noise, Langlands & Bell invite us to consider the power structures inherent in architecture and representation. Editor: This piece really sticks with you. A quiet force, demanding a second, closer look. Curator: Indeed. It's a fascinating lens through which to view the intersection of faith, power, and artistic practice.