Islamic Art Prohibits The Use Of
Every form of art is a mirror image of its culture and traditions. Each aesthetic structure symbolizes a certain dominant aspect of the concerned civilization. For instance, the Roman art showcases strength, while the Greek art portrays philosophy. The Islamic art envelopes various cultures, races and people. The embodiment of this art lies within the enormity of its civilization. |
|
Islamic art is basically simple in character. The artists believed that everything under the sun is perishable. God is the only everlasting omnipotent reality. The cardinal ideology of Islamic art is abstractionism. The art attempts to explore the world beyond the realm of the human eye. It defines the unseen and the unknown. The art demonstrates the Islamic views on the Creator and its creation. The artists were often motivated by nature reflecting a synchronized relationship with the conceptions of the almighty.
Islamic art forbade its artists from the portrayal of human beings and animals in religious art. Therefore, the mosques and manuscripts of those times were mainly decorated by Arabic calligraphy, tile work and floral patterns rather than portraits from the Holy Book of Quran. However, the outlook towards figurative art differed across varied Islamic cultures. Towards the latter phase of the medieval era, some outstanding work demonstrating figures has been found in Iran. These paintings mainly highlight the life of Muhammad, battle scenes, illustrations of heaven and hell and other everyday issues. Miniature paintings showing prophets have also been discovered in Turkey, Persia and India. During this time, Islam was not under any single umbrella of authority. Instead it was an amalgamation of different Muslim customs. Paintings were entertained in courts of kings as well. Poetry and literature was decorated for the kings but was kept away from the public eye. These illustrated books were used to communicate the stories of Prophet Muhammad to those who did not comprehend Arabic. Nevertheless, as on date today, figurative art is a taboo in Islam, especially the demonstration of Muhammad.
At one point of time, Islam had gained the financial potential to decorate its mosques with gold and silver. However, the perspective of simplicity forbade the artists to do so. Instead, demonstrating further creativity, the Islamic artists produced material such as crystal, glass and wood that could be utilized to adorn their mosques instead of gold and silver.
More Articles :
 |
