Design * Art

Islamic Art

Moroccan Islamic Art

Masjid-i Jami in Herat, Afghanistan

Art to each individual is a reflection of themselves, their culture and their view of the world. Islamic art does not just include all the artistic traditions of the Muslim culture, but it also transcends time and space as well as differences in language and culture. You can see it in their architecture, their dressing, their paintings and their furnishings.

I have always been quite intrigued by Islamic Art. They never use figures, but geometric shapes with such vibrant colours that portrays the essence and meaning of things rather then their physical form.

Interestingly, it also provides a huge scope for exploring not only geometry but also algebra. Lets just say, back in the day, Muslim scholars were quite influenced with Greek philosophy and mathematics and their penchant for stars and astronomy encouraged them to embrace geometry.

Textile Fragment from Egypt, 8th-12th Century AD

Anyway lets not get too technical. That is for the experts after all. But if you are interested in learning more about Islamic Art, the details and such, click here. If you'd like to try your hand at it, check out these geometric templates here. Be inspired and have fun, and to my Muslim friends; -- Happy Fasting and May Peace Be Upon You.