Islamic Art in Image & Object from the Godwin-Ternbach Museum @ Queens College
Student Activity Guide
Discovering the Culture of Islam through Islamic Art Since early times, Islamic art has reflected a balanced, harmonious world view and has developed a unique character utilizing a number of primary forms: geometry, calligraphy, organic/figural and medallions, which are often interwoven. In Islamic art... • the repetition of geometric designs represents the infinite nature of God. • calligraphy is considered the highest form of art since it is the language of the Qur’an. • organic (flowers & plants) / figural (people & animals) represent images found in nature created by God. • medallion designs are often the focal point or central motif. Copy of an early-14th c. lamp / French export, 19th c. / Glass with enamel and gold leaf, 11 3/4" h. / 62.22
Discuss Art that is influenced by Islam is found in many places of the world. The art can be divided into two categories: religious and secular. Muslims believe that the creation of living things is the work of God so they forbid portraying people and animals in their religious art. Secular objects are those found in the home. Can you think of any art objects found in your home or place of worship? What do these objects reflect about your culture?
Look and Learn Look at the images below and check off the characteristics that apply. What do these items tell you about the people who created them? What do you think the items were used for? Have you seen similar items in your place of worship or home? q Geometry q Organic/Figural
Draw!
q Secular
Write your name below in script as the central focus of a simple design using some of the Islamic art characteristics you have learned about.
q Calligraphy q Medallion q Religious “rhages ware” terracotta, 8-3/4” diam. x 4”h. Seljuk, Iran, 12th–13th c. AD / 58.32
q Geometry q Organic/Figural q Secular q Calligraphy q Medallion q Religious
Words to know
Copy of an early-14th c. lamp French export, 19th c. Glass with enamel and gold leaf, 11 3/4" h.
Islam: the religion of Muslims Qur’an (Koran): the sacred book of Islam q Geometry q Organic/Figural q Secular q Calligraphy q Medallion q Religious
“Prayer Rug” Wool, 68" h. x 48" w. Turkey, late 19th-early 20th century
Mecca: holy city for Muslims, located in Saudi Arabia mirhab: a decorated niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca mosque: a Muslim place of worship Muslim: a follower of Islam
Explore and Create When viewing Islamic art, we notice four main characteristics: geometry, calligraphy, organic/figural and medallions. While you explore the artwork in this exhibit, look closely at the designs and find examples of each characteristic. Draw your examples in the appropriate box.
Geometry
Calligraphy
Organic/Figural
Medallion
Back in the Classroom Discussion Starters What common themes can you identify as Islamic in style? How are cultural beliefs conveyed as visual images? Can you think of a favorite object or rug in your home or community that might be an heirloom? Does this object have significance within your family or community? What is it? Is there a story that goes along with the object / heirloom? Are there designs incorporated on these objects. If so, what do these images represent? What kinds of objects hold special meaning to individuals and communities and why?
What do you treasure? Heirloom Rug Design Using your museum sketches, create sketches for an heirloom rug that will integrate and reflect your culture. The designs and color scheme should have personal meaning to you. Your design will include a central motif/medallion and border pattern. Be sure to include an example of each of the following primary forms found in Islamic art : calligraphy, geometry, medallion, and organic/figural. Materials museum sketches, paper, pencil, compass, ruler, tracing paper, light box, tempera paints, brushes, 12˝x18˝ paper 1) Refer to museum sketches for your inspiration and create a central medallion and border rug design. Create any personal or Islamic styled designs to incorporate into your final heirloom rug design. 2) Plan ahead and establish that approximately 50% of your rug should contain the four primary forms (geometry, calligraphy, organic/figural and medallion). 3) Using tracing paper or templates create repeat patterns/motifs (ex: flowers, animals, etc.) and remember to keep your designs bold enough for painting purposes.
More words to know
4) Keep in mind how colors will be chosen and carefully paint the areas according to your color scheme. Avoid outlining in black.
motif: a consistent or recurrent conceptual element, usually a figure or design.
Islamic Art in Image & Object from the Godwin-Ternbach Museum @ Queens College
heirloom: a valuable object that has belonged to a family or community for several generations.
repetition: refers to a way of combining elements of art so that the same elements are used over and over again
FEBRUARY 5 – MAY 31, 2007 Organized with Prof. Mark Rosenblum, Dept. of History and the Michael Harrington Center, Queens College Dr. Amy Winter, Director and Curator, Godwin-Ternbach Museum Dr. Rikki Asher, Director of Art Education, Secondary Education and Youth Services Department Sheila Ambrosio, Noemi Charlemagne and Lisa Rudolph, Writers; Candidates: MS in Art Education Sheila Ambrosio, Graphic Designer