Iman Tajik

Under One Sky

Press and Article:

Creative Scotland -features 2020

Press and journal - 30 May 2020

Under One Sky

In the summer of 2020, during the global lockdown, artist Iman Tajik created Under One Sky — a participatory artwork that connected people across borders at a time of separation. The project invited individuals from around the world to walk simultaneously, each contributing their own steps and distances to a shared journey.

Over the course of three months, 320 participants in 36 countries collectively walked 40,075 km (24,901 miles) — the circumference of the Earth. Alongside their movements, participants shared more than 1,500 photographs of the sky above them, capturing a shifting archive of skies in all their variations: bright, stormy, clouded, and luminous. Tajik gathered these contributions into a collective mosaic, symbolising both diversity and solidarity.

At the heart of the work lies a single dark tile — representing the obstructed skies experienced by many refugees and detainees, whose perspectives are limited or denied. Surrounding it, the expanse of open skies embodies freedom, connection, and shared humanity.

Under One Sky was commissioned by Deveron Projects and realised in collaboration with their amazing team, whose support and partnership were vital in bringing the work to life.
The project stands as both an artwork and an act of solidarity, affirming that despite divisions, restrictions, and borders, everyone lives beneath the same sky and holds an equal right to its openness.

More information www.deveron-projects.com/under-one-sky/