Linking past to the future
The first Al Burda Festival examined the deep roots of the traditional Islamic arts that provide the foundation for 21st-century expressions of cultural identity.
The Al Burda Festival examined the deep roots of traditional Islamic arts and 21st-century cultural identity expressions
Like the shifting sands in the desert, the manifestation of artistic expression is evolving in the Islamic world. Although traditional artforms used in architecture, geometry, music and poetry reflect the aesthetics of this expansive region, artisans are now expressing their cultural identity by using these motifs in a variety of fresh, new formats. By examining the past and current directions in creative endeavours, the Al Burda Festival in Abu Dhabi sought to address the ‘Shape and Future of Islamic Art and Culture’, focusing on a two-pronged agenda: the creation and the dissemination of art derived from the Islamic ethos.
While the term Islamic Art is sometimes used interchangeably with Arabic Art, there is a fine line of difference between the two, according to H. E. Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Knowledge Development, Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, UAE. However, both terms refer to an expression of all aspects of life derived from a specific cultural heritage, articulating the human condition while evoking emotion. Included are traditional forms and geometries used in architecture, decoration, music and literature, though now these may be created with the aid of robotics and 3D printing, and expressed through videos or interactive technologies.
Interestingly, technology has contributed to the renewed interest in traditional Islamic arts such as calligraphy, especially among the younger, tech-savvy generations. Rather than merely being ‘ fancy writing’ to look at, the artform is being brought to life through videos in museums and online, involving the viewer in its creation. Similarly, Zikr, directed by American film-maker Gabo Arora and presented at the Sundance Film Festival, uses virtual reality (VR) to involve the viewer in the power of a Sufi revival. VR and other interactive technologies are being incorporated into museum exhibitions to further engage and education patrons, regardless of their ethnicity. Emphasising the importance of education, H. E. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, UAE, says: “We have this ancient history that by itself requires us to look at how Islam touched (the past) as well as the future.”
To this end, the British Museum recently reframed its Islamic Art collection by shifting it to new galleries, with site-specific works by two artists who were selected for their ability to assimilate their heritage in a contemporary way. Ahmad Angawi from Saudi Arabia created five traditional wooden screens which were crafted in London because, “I don’t like the idea of cutting something from my culture and pasting it in London. I wanted to make an integration of cultures between London and Makkah.”
Idris Khan, from the UK, who specialises in transforming poems into visual expressions, developed a stunning series of 21 artworks that convey the moment of release for Hajj pilgrims performing the Stoning of the Jamarat at Mina. Viewed as contemporary art, they are anchored in the Islamic tradition.
According to Roxane Zand, Deputy Chairman Middle East and Gulf Region of Sotheby’s, demand for Islamic art has experienced an increase in recent years, especially by the under-36 demographic, with bidding on prestigious artworks from the Middle East increasing by more than 35 per cent over the past five years. Al Burda Festival, the proposed UNESCO Day of Islamic Art and other initiatives are fuelling awareness and respect for its beauty, geometry and cultural relevance, according to Vilma Jurkute, Director, Alserkal Avenue, one of the many esteemed presenters at Al Burda.
Occurring simultaneously and complimenting the discussions on the future wave of Arabic expression was Dubai Design Week, which showcased some of the outstanding talents from the region who are part of a new breed of innovative artists reinterpreting historic associations in contemporary formats. During Dubai Design Week, Studio D04 in collaboration with Layth Mahdi unveiled a sculptural, multi-layered birch table with fluid waves, reminiscent of shifting sand dunes. Fabricated by robotics, it articulates the story of an Arabic woman preparing her toilet. Invoking historical references, but unmistakably of today, the jewellery in traditional gold and silver has been fabricated by 3D printing and sparkles among the dunes. Once she has selected her ornamentation, she progresses along the table to a tall perfume vase and a mirror to check her appearance.
"We have this ancient history that by itself requires us to look at how Islam touched (the past) as well as the future." H.B. NOURA AL RAAB!
Another outstanding contemporary artist, Aljoud Lootah – a Festival Endowment recipient – creates products for daily use that incorporate designs and skills based on her Islamic heritage. She became the first Emirati designer to have her work incorporated into an international gallery when her Oru lamp was selected for the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. By integrating ancient weaving patterns into a collection of containers as well as furniture, she transcends the ages to create a contemporary aesthetic from ancient formats.
Sotheby’s says that demand for Islamic art has experienced an increase in recent years, especially among those aged under 35. Additionally, exposure to Islamic Art in museums around has increased dramatically with the inclusion of interactive experiences and virtual reality.
Yet, to ensure inspired art that reflects the values and innovations of the Islamic culture, professional level educational programmes for product designers and an increase in local fabrication facilities need to be encouraged. The resulting vision and originality, coupled with technology, will further stimulate the dissemination of the Islamic art ethos throughout the region and world.