Exploring Islamic Artwork in the Modern World

Collection Objectives Identify key elements of religious and social

culture in Modern artwork.

Compare representations of the Qur’an across different media.

Illustrate cultural diversity of Islamic art, architecture, and music in the Modern World.

Tile circa 15th century

URL: http://collections.lacma.org/node/204611

Created c. 15th centuryAccessed: December 3, 2013

For contrast with the previous artwork, a significant amount of effort in artistic production is dedicated to illustrating patterning and geometric mosaics. In this tile, each colored tile was fired separately, then painstakingly cut and fit together. This process is equally, if not more important, than the final product, as it is a meditative procedure and a result of years of careful practice.

Muhammed Aslam Kamal: Illustrated

Single WorkURL: http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/442985

Created c. 1940-1980Accessed: November 11, 2013

This artwork follows modern geometric figures associated with traditional rigid patterning seen in early and pre-modern Islamic tessellations, figures, and designs.

Sadequain: Illustrated

Single WorkURL: http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/442986?rpp=60&pg=1&rndkey=20131210&ao=on&ft=*&deptids=14&when=A.D.+1900-present&pos=43

Created c. 1940-1980Accessed: November 15, 2013

A modern depiction of Islamic prayer, this painting illustrates the importance of calligraphy and the written word in Islamic artwork and culture. Written language is God’s gift to man, the true revelation. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the three boats read, “In the name of the memorable Qur’an; in the name of the glorious Qur’an; in the name of the pen, and anything it writes.”

Houra Yaghoubi: Who

is my generation?

URL: http://collections.lacma.org/node/220110

Created c. 2005Accessed: December 3, 2013

A post-modern interpretation of women in Iran, Yaghoubi demonstrates the marked difference between the perceived role of women in society and the progressive idealism of women in Iran. The painting contrasts the Qur’ans treatment focus on honor and dignity of women with its religious and/or conservative counterpart. The more modern, androgynously dressed women in the background are overshadowed by religious segregation.

Khaled Azzam, The Sanctuary

URL: http://www.khaledazzam.net/projects/projects-profile.php#sanctuary

Created c. 2004Accessed: December 3, 2013

According to The Sanctuary’s architects, The Sanctuary is “A small multi-faith centre in Madaba on the outskirts of Amman. This building is used as an open space for a wide community; encouraging people from different faith backgrounds to meet as well as to create a personal quiet space for contemplation.” Pointed arches and geometric patterns reflect traditional Islamic architecture, but because of its interfaith purpose, there is a lack of traditional writing and tiling, swapping images of Islamic writing for subdued walls and a reflective, interfaith water feature.

Khaled Azzam, The Museum of

Aal el Beyyt

URL: http://www.khaledazzam.net/projects/museum-aal-el-beyyt/index.php

Created c. 2005Accessed: December 3, 2013

This overtly simplistic design houses several relics rom the prophet Muhammad. As minimalism is a traditional practice in architecture, the building’s clean walls and rigid shape evoke curiosity and calm. According to the museum’s architects, “This hall is defined by a vaulted structure with a central dome. The nature of this building alludes to the rich heritage of the Hashemite Kingdom and its lineage from the prophet Muhammad himself. The architecture had to express this identity through the clarity of the architectural expression as well as the nobility and integrity of the forms and materials used.”

Sabri Brothers, Amjad Sabri

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oSikjgB-24

Created c. 2012Accessed: December 10, 2013

The Sabri brothers represent a resurgence of traditional Qawwali with a modern beat. Listening to their sound, you will notice a strong emphasis of traditional tones and instruments, but the beat is modern and upbeat. Additionally, the group’s performance is meditative and intentional.