Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World

  • the film was screened at the Minnesota film festival and at the Arab film festival in San Francisco

  • The accolade global film competition’s award of excellence in 2013

  • it was names best educational film at the international family film festival

  • it showcases a variety of diversity of ismalic art

  • was produced in 2011 by alex k

  • 7th century - turning point in history

  • Byzantium and Persia weak

  • Islam spread from Arabian peninsula - Mediterranean -

  • some aspects of the art are universal — like black script on a white background (elegance)

  • islam began in 610 in mecca where an angel came to Muhammad and read the quaran

  • God’s gift to mankind is the Quran - the manuscript is everywhere

  • 692 - dome of the rock

  • borrows techniques from byzantine marterium

  • inside is a sacred rock that is believed to be the sight where muhammad ascended to heaven

  • god is one, not three

  • inscription of Quran that runs around the building uses most expensive gold cubes that are usually used for halos in christian art

  • caligraphy is the most important aspect of islamic art

  • muslims always wrote with a reed pen, cutting it using special tools to create a specific shape that produced fine lines, allowing for intricate designs and lettering that adorned various surfaces.

  • tool boxes were beautiful

  • These artistic tools, often decorated with intricate patterns, not only served a practical purpose but also reflected the artisans' devotion and creativity, highlighting the spiritual significance of their work.

  • paper was a turning point

  • the paper must be prepared and carefully treated - uses a rag with soap to make the paper the right texture

  • copying the words of Quran is like paper - god speaks through the pen

  • headings are very important as they guide the reader through the reading

alhambera

  • built in spain

  • part palace part fortress

mehrab

  • most important element of the mosque - this is the only thing that MUST be in a mosque

  • minbar - added for the friday reading sermon, it is tall so everyone can see the leader

  • hypostyle - grid style columns within a mosque

  • the great mosque of cordoba - mixed roman, islamic, and byzantine techniques, mixing old and new

  • ottomons capture constantinopal, allowing islam to expand significantly into places like eastern europe and north africa

  • mosque djenne - made entirely of mudbrick

  • sufism - branch of islam, very tolerant (everyone is allowed to have their own experience with God)

  • geometry in Islamic art is notable for its intricate patterns and symmetrical designs, which symbolize the infinite nature of creation and reflect the divine order inherent in the universe.

  • geometry is usually used for things like bowls, plates, etc

  • though sculptures and images of people and animals exist, they are not meant to be worshipped therefore only quran inscriptions can be found inside of mosques