Hazara University Mansehra

Submitted By: Zainab Ayaz

Submitted To:
Roll-No: 503-2018
Dated: 1-October-2021

Views on Islamic Art

Islamic art include the visual arts from the seventh century onward by both Muslims and non-
Muslims who lived within the land that was populated by, or ruled by, culturally Islamic
populations. The best part is that Islamic art is not restricted to religious art, but instead includes
all of the art of the rich and varied cultures of Islamic societies. Islamic religious art is very
different from Christian religious art traditions. The mistakes in repetitions of patterns may be
intentionally introduced to show humbleness by artists who believe only God can produce
perfection. Islamic art is not a religious art it shows an understanding of the teachings and
principles of Islam as a religion and civilization and reflect its uniqueness and multiplicity. The
text and its complex connection to image continued through modernism and the contemporary
production with different and renewed significance that express the purity of the Islamic age.
The art of miniatures expresses both continuity and innovation. Miniature art shows intersecting
cultures and traditions and engages with issues of contemporary and global concerns and uses
new techniques and media.
Element of Islamic Art
The basic components of Islamic ornament are Calligraphy, Vegetal patterns, Geometric
patterns

 Calligraphy
Calligraphy is a very important art form in the Islamic world. The Qur’an, written in elegant
scripts, represents Allah’s word which Muhammad received directly from Allah during his
visions. Quranic verses, executed in calligraphy, are found on many different forms of art
and architecture. Similarly, poetry can be found on everything from ceramic bowls to the
walls of houses. Calligraphy’s omnipresence highlight the value that is placed on language,
specifically Arabic.

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 Vegetal patterns
Geometric and vegetative motifs are very popular throughout the lands where Islam was once
or still is a major religion and cultural force, appearing in the private palaces of buildings
such as the Alhambra, in Spain, as well as in the detailed metal work of Safavid Iran. As
well, certain building types appear throughout the Islamic world: mosques with their
minarets, mausolea, gardens, and madrasas, religious schools are all common. However, their
forms vary greatly.

 Geometric patterns
Simple forms of geometric patterns are combined or interlaced to form design. The symmetry
of these geometric designs offer the artist a lot of freedom, versatility and allow space for
other kinds of ornamentation. They often symbolise infinite growth. Basic shapes: circles,
interlaced circles, squares, and four sided polygons, and combinations form the ubiquitous
star pattern.