http://www.cuatower.com/news/2004/09/17/Features/Islamic.Art.Is.The.Focus.Of.The.National.Gallerys.Latest.Exhibit-724579.shtml
By MaryKate Cleary
Published: Friday, September 17, 2004
Article Tools: Page 1 of 1
When you enter the exhibition "Palace and the Mosque," now at the National Gallery of Art, you are immediately surrounded by the world of flourishing Islamic culture.
This exhibit is cleverly divided into four themes, the first of which is "The Written Word." The Word as revealed in the Qur'an, the major Islamic text, plays a huge role in Islamic life and is reflected through the art and artifacts of the time. The most captivating example is a sword and sheath set intricately decorated with gold verses from the Qur'an. This portion of the exhibit is focused on religion and no human figures are represented, because traditionally the art in mosques focuses on the Word of God as revealed by Muhammad.
The next theme, "Courts and Courtiers," focuses on the social art of the culture. It contrasts the diverse artistic achievements in Islamic art between the Safavid (from Iran) and Ottoman (from Turkey) Empires in the 16th and 17th centuries. Tiles adorned with colorful narratives and velvet carpets sown with silk are presented from the Safavid Empire. The undeniable centerpiece of this room is the 20-foot-high minibar (pulpit) made for a Sultan of Egypt (1468-1496) of ivory and wood.
A small glass chalice is the most enchanting member among the many thought-provoking pieces in the third theme, the "Artistic Exchange." This chalice sparkles with distinctly Islamic designs and is an example of the artistic exchange that took place between Europe and the Middle East.
Islamic glass developed in this area was so highly regarded in Europe that it could stand for gold. The glass chalice was named the "Luck of Edenhall" after its residence in 17th century England, and its Islamic origins were forgotten. It came to be associated with a legend that said the chalice was magically left near a well by fairies who exclaimed: "If this cup should break or fall, farewell the luck of Edenhall!"
The most notable characteristic of the show, besides the rare view into such a finely drawn world, is the exceptional exhibition design. Each wall and light fixture echoes tones and architecture of the time period. Be sure to examine the simple moldings, arches and shadows that make this such a unique experience.
This style compliments the final "Mosques, Shrines and Churches" part of the show, which displays divinely inspired art and artifacts of all the religions that practiced within the Islamic Empire from the year 632 A.D. through the 20th century. Tolerance is truly the over-arching idea that penetrates the walls, pottery and calligraphy of this exhibition. Today, political strife now stands where the ideology of religious tolerance actually began. Viewing the art and culture of the Palace and the Mosque of early Islam may remind us of what government and religion are actually capable of fostering in the lives of a diverse population.
The exhibition is organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, in association with the National Gallery of Art. For more information, visit www.nga.gov.
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By MaryKate Cleary
Published: Friday, September 17, 2004
Article Tools: Page 1 of 1
When you enter the exhibition "Palace and the Mosque," now at the National Gallery of Art, you are immediately surrounded by the world of flourishing Islamic culture.
This exhibit is cleverly divided into four themes, the first of which is "The Written Word." The Word as revealed in the Qur'an, the major Islamic text, plays a huge role in Islamic life and is reflected through the art and artifacts of the time. The most captivating example is a sword and sheath set intricately decorated with gold verses from the Qur'an. This portion of the exhibit is focused on religion and no human figures are represented, because traditionally the art in mosques focuses on the Word of God as revealed by Muhammad.
The next theme, "Courts and Courtiers," focuses on the social art of the culture. It contrasts the diverse artistic achievements in Islamic art between the Safavid (from Iran) and Ottoman (from Turkey) Empires in the 16th and 17th centuries. Tiles adorned with colorful narratives and velvet carpets sown with silk are presented from the Safavid Empire. The undeniable centerpiece of this room is the 20-foot-high minibar (pulpit) made for a Sultan of Egypt (1468-1496) of ivory and wood.
A small glass chalice is the most enchanting member among the many thought-provoking pieces in the third theme, the "Artistic Exchange." This chalice sparkles with distinctly Islamic designs and is an example of the artistic exchange that took place between Europe and the Middle East.
Islamic glass developed in this area was so highly regarded in Europe that it could stand for gold. The glass chalice was named the "Luck of Edenhall" after its residence in 17th century England, and its Islamic origins were forgotten. It came to be associated with a legend that said the chalice was magically left near a well by fairies who exclaimed: "If this cup should break or fall, farewell the luck of Edenhall!"
The most notable characteristic of the show, besides the rare view into such a finely drawn world, is the exceptional exhibition design. Each wall and light fixture echoes tones and architecture of the time period. Be sure to examine the simple moldings, arches and shadows that make this such a unique experience.
This style compliments the final "Mosques, Shrines and Churches" part of the show, which displays divinely inspired art and artifacts of all the religions that practiced within the Islamic Empire from the year 632 A.D. through the 20th century. Tolerance is truly the over-arching idea that penetrates the walls, pottery and calligraphy of this exhibition. Today, political strife now stands where the ideology of religious tolerance actually began. Viewing the art and culture of the Palace and the Mosque of early Islam may remind us of what government and religion are actually capable of fostering in the lives of a diverse population.
The exhibition is organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, in association with the National Gallery of Art. For more information, visit www.nga.gov.
--
The Design-L list for art and architecture, since 1992...
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To signoff, send mailto:design-l-unsubscribe-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.
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