Islamic Art and Architecture

Introduction to Islamic Art

Where Islamic and Western art differ is through the focus of the respective subjects. Whilst western art often focuses on painting and sculpture of various human forms and appearances, Islamic art tends to focus much more on decorative designs and complex geometrical patterns. Symmetry of beautiful patterns and designs are thought to be representative of beauty as a whole which is a divine quality given to us by Allah. Repetitive patterns are also common in Islamic art, the idea being that the infinity and seamless integration of what is displayed gives us an idea of those very qualities which we associate with Allah. Again, the emphasis is on representation of spiritual ideas and concepts rather than the physical creation of these through the aesthetic design of a painting or sculpture.

Another reason for the distinction between Islamic and Western art forms (in general) is the prohibition in Islam of using figurative art in a religious context – something emphasised so as to keep a clear distinction between Islam and alternative idolatrous religions which Islam warns against.

This is not to say figurative art does not exist in Islamic art, far from it. It is however, largely confined to secular, private arts – or arts which were patronised in a ‘courtly’ manner. Religious monuments and objects with religious connotations therefore, rarely employ figurative arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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