I took a free tour at the Aga Khan centre just north of Kings Cross in London. I was shown how muslim art and architecture creates distinct spiritual spaces for the occupants. Likewise the geometric decorations and calligraphy and a series of aerial gardens rising up the building.
The library is a marvel of peace and focus and the art gallery introduced me to the myth of the Simurgh Bird, linking to stories of the Phoenix and Roc and even the Sphinx in several other middle eastern and European cultures.
I was made aware of the depth of learning in the ancient Persian civilisation, and that although its empire, like that of the UK, has passed away, it should be respected. And how long will it be before there’s a route for the different leaders of the Abrahamic religions (as well as the Hindus and Buddhists and other faith traditions) to conclude peace with humility together?

I’m not sure it changed my view of life but ‘The Procession’ created by British sculptor and visual artist Hew Locke in 2022 for Tate Britain would be the top of a potentially long list of impactful works. This huge installation most definitely enabled me to viscerally grasp so much about colonial history., to grasp not just the facts but the lived experience. It was the most extraordinary work, a long, long procession (through several rooms) of colourful, life-sized, vibrant people clothed in fantastical garments, with banners, headdresses, objects and totems, items often bearing historical records from the sugar industry, often joyful but also challenging - these processing people seems to move endlessly forward and had a presence it was impossible to ignore. You can read more about it here: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/hew-locke