Islamic Art in the Western World | Essay

Moslem dodge in the Western World EssayIs there a place for Muslim Art in the westbound Domicile?IntroductionWhat is Islamic Art?Islamic cheat does non copy nature only if conveys what it represents.Islamic o.k.sse is a mirror of a culture and its world view. Islamic art is a vibrant and distinctive form of Art. Un equivalent Christian art, Islamic art is not constrained to religious work, but includes artistic traditions in the Muslim culture.Because of the strict ruling against drawings of human or animals which might result in idol worship, Islamic art developed a distinctive character makes use of primary forms, geometric arabesque, floral and c alligraphic.Muslim art has reflected this balanced, harmonious world view.Through its glorious use of colour and balance, Islamic art creates an immediate visual impact.In Islamic art, upsetting and sculpture argon not thought of as the finest forms of art. Crafts and cosmetic arts are regarded as having full art status. Books , on the other hand are a major art form and Writing has a high status in Islam as writing is considered signifi offert decoration for objects and buildings.Islamic Art seeks to illustrate the meaning and essence of things, sort of than just their physical form. It focuses on the spiritual representation of objects and beings and not their physical qualities.How is geometry seen to be spiritual?Because circles have no end they are infinite and so they remind Muslims that Allah is infinite. mixed geometric designs create the feeling of un-ending repetition this helps the person get an idea of the infinite nature of Allah.Repeating conventions also indicate that in the small you can find the infinite, a single element of the pattern implies the infinite total.The use of patterns is part of the way Islamic art represents nature and objects.Repeated geometric pattern oft use plant motifs, there are called Arabesque. Arabic lettering is also common.Art It is one of the purest and mo st meaningful forms of human communication. Where language often fails us, art can cross divide what we sometimes erect due to differences in race, ethnicity, religion and culture. Specifically, Islamic art, perhaps more than any other, presents a pleasing mirror of a culture and its world view. More than being just representative of a singular religion (as is often the case with Christian art), Islamic art deepens understanding rough Muslim culture, at large.It is for this reason that Islamic art should not only be tolerated when found in a western domicile, it should be encouraged and celebrated as a mechanism for the west to build a new respectful, productive and healing relationship with the East.On family line 11, 2001, the west was devastated by a series of coordinated suicide terrorists attacks organized by an Islamist fundamentalist group called Al- Qaida.After getting over the initial shock, pain and horror of this incalcul able loss, the west was left with one profound sentiment absolute confusion. We, in the West, simply had little understanding, not only of the motivation for the terrorist attack, but also of Islamic beliefs systems and principles, in general. And it is not a criticism, but simply an observation to note that the profoundly individualist mindset of the West, particularly America, had left us very isolated and without much understanding of global, philosophical, religious and cultural principles which differed from ours.It is now almost a decade after the horror of September 11, 2001, and although the West is equable much insulated and lacks the full understanding of Islam which is so critical to secure a more peaceful global environment, we have make significant strides. The attack was not only a source of great suffering in the West, but also a wake up call to remind us of our breakup and the fact that there is a huge global community out there of which we are only a small part. And, Islamic artists have made huge contributi ons to furthering the understanding of Islamic culture and religion.Some may view bringing Islamic art into ones bag as inviting argument and conflict. Narrow minded(p) people may view Islam as the enemy of the West. However more and more Westerners are coming to the understanding that Islam is not the enemy of the West, but rather a potential partner and friend.Art has been a powerful tool in aiding the West to come to this conclusion. Through art of all varieties, Westerners are able to learn about not only the Islamic which may differ from many of ours, but also about the areas where we have something in common.There are so many contemporary Islamic arts and ways to incorporate it in to a Western home. Of course, the immediate thought one has when the word art is mentioned, is probably visual art. Painters like Ali Omar Ermes, an Islamic artist based in the United Kingdom, introduce Western eyes to the beauty of Arabic lettering. Ermes work is significant in its exploration of the beauty of the written word or symbol. Writing, in the Islamic tradition, is highly regarded for its aesthetic beauty, and often utilized in architecture for its decorative effects, in addition to its simple meaning. Noura Sadaka, a Dubai-based talent, paints, draws and creates unique wooden and metal sculptures through which she tries to communicate the many ambiguities and struggles of being a woman caught between twain Western and Islamic identities. Noura is typical of many contemporary Arabic artists in this way. So many Islamic creators have shed new understanding about the ways in which many of the Islamic community feel great ties, love and respect for their peers in the West. Contrary to initial beliefs about Islam being the Wests enemy, such artists bring to light a much more complex and acute truth about the relationship between Islamic peoples and their Western counterparts.Visual art is definitely not the only way to bring Islamic creativity into ones abode. We ma y not normally think of magazines, television and the internet as sources of fine art so often it is full of mindless content that could not be qualified as creative, by any stretch of the imagination. However, television shows like PBSs ART 21, magazines like Brown Book and a variety of modern websites are exposing the West to Islamic artists whose work not only delights the senses it also educates and helps work out understanding. Even the HBO series, Def Poetry Jam, did much to change stereotypes of Islam, by showcasing young, Islamic slam poets, especially in the early years which followed the terrorist attacks.It is clear that Islamic art has an substantive function in furthering human understanding and connection. It is a bridge to create a dialogue when the traditional means are inadequate to express the subtle complexity of thoughts, emotions and ideas which drive us. By exploring the meaning an essence of things beyond their physical form, Islamic artists communicate some times unique, sometimes universal ideas about the spiritual questions with which all human beings grapple, regardless of their particular faith. For these reasons and more, Islamic art can hold a vital place in the context of a Western home expanding dialogue and understanding and, ultimately, promoting more peace and tolerance.