Artists unveil authentic world of contemporary Islamic art

A visitor watching the artwork EPISTROPHE, by artist Timo Nasseri at the Sharjah Art Museum. - KT photo by M. Sajjad

Artists from various parts of the world gathered on Wednesday at the 20th Sharjah Islamic Art Festival (SIAF) displaying different vibrant styles of artworks illustrating the authenticity of the Islamic Art in tune with the contemporary art world.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qassimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the SIAF at the Sharjah Islamic Art Museum, which will run until January 23, 2018.
The event is organised under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, by the cultural affairs department at the Sharjah department of information culture. The festival is one of the most renowned Islamic art events in the region, and its events include local and international exhibitions, intellectual programmes, and interactive activities.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Ben Johnson, an artist participating with his pattern titled Reflection of Sacred Place said that geometry is a means of transcending the material world and connecting with the spiritual. It is a manifestation of the profound made real through concentration and craftsmanship - a clear statement of love and devotion to be shared by all who seek a fundamental uniting truth. The Alhambra palace in Granada in Spain, and Dome of The Rock in East Arab Jerusalem are both profound examples of Islamic architecture.
These two structures are united by more than their Islamic architecture and calligraphy that decorates the walls; they are united by the importance of the underlying rules of sacred geometry. "This geometry has been perfected and respected by the world of Islam and shared by diverse and religions,"
In her work Metamorphosis, Zeinab Alhashemi, a conceptual artist, and designer address the geometric depths of Islamic art. She uses the same method behind the 16-pointed star, to symbolise the evolution of geometry in Islamic Art. The sculpture emphasis on how geometry is all around people, even in the simplest forms and materials.
Alhashemi believes that the inspiration of geometry started from tangible elements in nature and intangible elements like sound and dreams, therefore, the impact of geometry will continue to infidel possibilities in all times and spaces. The standing sculpture is made out of four rotated reinforced metal mesh that is used in construction. It is manufactured in square or rectangular mesh from steel wire welded at each intersection.
Pendentive is kind of installations constructed of pencil leads made by New Zealand artist, Peter Trevelyan. His large sculptures and installations exhibit architecture of Islamic domes, which has been a recurring theme in Trevelyan's sculptures.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Sharjah

Afkar Ali Ahmed

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com