In 1969 Moutashar's focus became the square and black/white colour schemes: Using the square as a starting point and with a strict adherence to rhythmic, systemized mathematical compositions, he created a series of ‘square paintings’ known as ‘Zones’. Moutashar produced approximately 30 of these throughout the 1970s: for Frieze we will present Zone 1, Paris, 1969 his first square painting. Using Indian ink on cardboard, the surface is meticulously divided into a 16x16 square grid with each square in turn divided in half diagonally. Through these new geometric and kinetic abstract paintings, Moutashar was able to reconnect with Islamic art and his own cultural heritage. The mathematical and organisational principles of Islamic art had always fascinated him – in later years he would develop similar links between geometry and Arabic calligraphy.