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In the 21st century, the exploration and experimentation in art have taken on new dimensions, pushing the boundaries of creativity and expression. One area that has seen a significant rise in attention and appreciation is modern Islamic art. While traditional Islamic art has always held a distinct place in the artistic realm, contemporary Islamic art brings a fresh perspective, combining the rich heritage of Islamic artistic traditions with the individuality and innovation of modern artists.

 

The Evolution of Islamic Art

Islamic art has long been revered for its intricate designs, calligraphy, and geometric patterns that adorn mosques, manuscripts, ceramics, and textiles. It has its roots in the philosophy of Islam, reflecting the spiritual and cultural values of the Islamic world. However, the perception and interpretation of Islamic art have evolved over time.

Traditional Islamic Art: A Reflection of Faith

Islamic art has traditionally been a means of devotion and reflection, with artists utilizing their talents to express their connection to God and the beauty of His creation. It has often been regarded as a reflection of Islamic philosophy, separate from the secular Western approach to art.

Oleg Grabar, in his book "Formation of Islamic Art," emphasizes that Islamic art is distinguished by its internal creative purpose rather than external characteristics. This purpose is beautifully articulated by Tatiana Starodub in her book "The Islamic World," where she states that Islamic artists direct their creativity towards God, not towards human subjects. By surrendering their ego and imitating God's manner of operation, Islamic artists become intermediaries, transmitting universal and divine beauty.

Islamic Art in the Contemporary Context

In recent years, contemporary Islamic art has gained recognition and prominence among art enthusiasts, collectors, curators, and academics. The exploration of this art form has opened new doors for artists to re-appropriate their cultural heritage in unique and innovative ways.

Defining Contemporary Islamic Art

The definition of contemporary Islamic art is a complex task, as it encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions influenced by diverse cultural and historical contexts. Kader Attia, a French artist of Algerian origin, aptly captures the essence of contemporary Islamic art, stating that it is an ongoing process of building, re-appropriating, and expressing cultural influences in a distinct manner.

While Islamic art in the pre-modern era followed a defined artistic syntax, post-modern Islamic art embraces individuality and personal expression, aligning with the broader post-modern art movement. This individuality makes it challenging to quantify and categorize contemporary Islamic art.

The Influence of Islamic Art on Western Design

One notable aspect of contemporary Islamic art is its impact on Western design. The biomorphic floral patterns and geometric designs of Islamic art have inspired renowned Western artists and designers, leading to the fusion of Islamic aesthetics with Western artistic traditions.

For example, the renowned English designer William Morris, known for his contributions to the Arts and Crafts movement, drew inspiration from Islamic arabesque ornamentation and incorporated it into his fabric and furniture designs. Similarly, the influence of Islamic art on French jewelry designer Maison Cartier is showcased in the exhibition "Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity," highlighting the cross-cultural exchange and appreciation between Islamic and Western art forms.

Cultural Translation and the Third Space

The movement and transformation of culture, including Islamic art, are closely tied to the mobility of people and the portability of ornamental objects. The concept of "cultural translation," coined by cultural theorist Homi K. Bhabha, plays a pivotal role in understanding the interplay between different cultural traditions.

Cultural translation refers to the negotiation and interaction between social groups with diverse cultural backgrounds. It occurs at the borders or edges of different cultures and takes place in the "third space," a hybrid space of cultural interactions. In this third space, artists from culturally diverse backgrounds engage in acts of cultural translation, expressing their connections to their cultural heritage within broader social, political, and cultural contexts.

Muslim Artists in Diaspora: Negotiating Cultural Identity

Contemporary Muslim artists living in Western societies, often referred to as the diaspora, navigate the complexities of cultural identity and diversity through their artistic creations. They utilize traditional Islamic art forms to contextualize their experiences and address relevant social, political, and cultural issues such as migration and cultural identity.

Artists like Tazeen Qayyum, a Pakistani Canadian artist, use the language of traditional Islamic ornamentation in their work to explore the concept of living between two cultures. Qayyum's artwork, "A Holding Pattern,"

intricately paints airport lounge chairs, symbolizing the liminal space where migrants and refugees await clearance upon arrival. This work reflects the artist's displaced identity and the constant state of transit experienced by those living between cultures.

The Mediation of Ornament: A Pleasure and Meaning

Ornamentation holds a significant place in Islamic art, acting as a mediator between aesthetic pleasure and meaning. Oleg Grabar, an art historian, highlights that ornament raises fundamental questions about the relationship between the visible and its meaning. It channels meaning into pleasure, giving the observer the freedom to choose meaning while providing an aesthetically pleasing experience.

Contemporary Islamic artists continue this tradition of ornamentation, inviting viewers to enter the third space and engage in cultural translation. The viewers' unique experiences and cultures shape their interpretation of the artwork, creating a dialogue between different perspectives.

The Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Expression

In the realm of modern Islamic art, there is a fusion of tradition and contemporary expression artists draw inspiration from the rich heritage of the Islamic world.