1. Islamic Art
Architecture, Calligraphy, and Geometric Designs

2. Islamic Art and Architecture
Based on complex geometry
Why geometry?
Distinctive patterns
Grid-based
Tessellation - geometric process of repeating patterns
1,000 year old tradition

3. “The Hidden Art of Islam”
Islam traditionally prohibits images of god, people, or animals (calling them “idols”)
Most Islamic art involves:
Calligraphy
Focus on geometry in decoration and writing
“Arabesque” patterns - flowing line designs with motifs
Motif - small, decorative design used to make patterns
Detailed and complex line designs
Ornate textiles and sacred cloth
Unique, ornate style of architecture
The BBC documentary The Hidden Art of Islam shows a hidden history of figure drawing in Islamic religious art.
Even when Islamic art depicts people and animals, they are purposefully not realistic or painting to look 3D - they used flat colors in paintings.

4. Artists Inspired by Islamic Art
M.C. Escher ( ):
Tessellation and repeating patterns - created optical illusion designs
Contemporary artists:
5th Annual Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Islamic Art
Artists of all faiths and backgrounds participate
Ibrahim El-Salahi ( ): “
Islamic, African, Arab, and Western influences
M.C. Escher

5. The Alhambra
Palace and fortress in Granada, Spain