Dome of the Rock, painting, Jerusalem © 2017

Arguably the most sacred spot in Jerusalem, and definitely the focal point of the city. This beautiful 6C Islamic shrine as an early and iconic example of Islamic architecture. The intricate blues of the mosaic facade and gold dome that sits on the octagonal structural walls lays claim to the foundation stone. The foundation stone being the stone it is said Mohamed flew a winged horse to heaven in Islam and the site of the Holy of Holies (ten commandments) in Judaism. The magnitude of the importance of this site and the ancient historical struggle to possess it is difficult to comprehend. I found it much easier to paint it. Well I say paint I was only allowed to take pencils in after a long conversation with the security guards at two check points. The next day I tried to take some paints down and nearly got arrested.