Art and Artistic Expression
Islam has a unique influence on arts and has helped create works of great imagination.
ArchetectureArchitecture is the greatest form of art. Islamic architecture expresses itself in the place of public prayer, the mosque. Grand mosques provide a great opportunity for artistic attention. The simplicity of some mosques enhances one’s appreciation of space and balance. Islamic art uses the practice of negative space, the space above of beside or around a building. The building shapes the space within and without, and both the space and building work together to balance each other. White-black contrast is a fundamental theme of much of Islamic architecture.
Molly, Michael. (2010). Experiencing the World’s Religions (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. pg.448-454 |
Muslim Fan DanceThe Muslim fan dance is a traditional dance of the Muslims. It is commonly performed during celebratory events and parties.
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There is a Muslim prohibition against making images of human beings or animals, however Islam has a rich traditions of pictorial art.
Paradise is a theme that has inspired much of Islamic art. In the Qur’an and the Muslim imagination, paradise is more like a fertile oasis or an enclosed garden. In the Qur’an it states that paradise is, “watered by running streams.” The image of paradise in Islamic art often appears in symbolic form in the prayer carpet. Molly, Michael. (2010). Experiencing the World’s Religions (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Pg. 448-454. |
Fine Art |