Contemporary contexts and innovative concepts are drawing inspiration from Islamic decorative arts, reshaping them with a vision that embodies the essence of authentic heritage while resonating with the spirit of modern life. This fusion creates a unique scene where the aesthetics of creative brilliance blend seamlessly with advanced technological techniques.
At the recent exhibition “Jewels of the Manuscript: Dialogue of Decoration and Calligraphy,” held at the Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation in Dubai, this exquisite philosophy was reflected in the intricate decorated panels, which dazzled with their captivating visual elements and vibrant colors.
A Golden Era
Artist Marwan Al Aridi stated that decorative art is currently experiencing a golden phase in Arab society, thanks to new technologies that allow artists to utilize up to 16.4 million colors in their creative expressions. He noted that, 300 years ago, color options were limited to just seven: black, blue, yellow, green, red, turquoise, and gold.
Al Aridi emphasized that decorative art has a rich history, beginning with the Chinese over 4,000 years ago. Each era contributed distinct features from its own civilization, enriching the art with numerous and diverse experiences. He pointed out that Islamic arabesque ornamentation, European Victorian art, along with the Renaissance and Baroque styles, share a common origin despite their varied creative methods.
He remarked, “I believe decoration is a beautiful expression that conveys heritage and traditions while also delivering a message that influences society and reflects its voice.” He highlighted the role of art exhibitions in Dubai in fostering interactions between the audience and creative works, which have enhanced public cultural awareness. Social media has further empowered audiences to understand, engage with, and compare different artistic pieces.
New Techniques
Artist Musab Al-Douri indicated that the field of decoration has successfully embraced modernity and innovation, as evidenced by the artworks presented by Marwan Al Aridi in the exhibition. Al Aridi’s creations showcased new techniques and employed materials like wood and metals that were previously uncommon in this art form.
He explained, “Islamic decorative art initially featured gold on the pages of manuscripts and mosque walls and later evolved as Arab artists were influenced by other civilizations, applying their work to pottery, ornaments, and clothing.” He believes that artificial intelligence will now contribute to the evolution of decoration in terms of decor styles, material techniques, and commercial sectors, while traditional works will retain their heritage attributes, akin to ancient manuscripts.
Regarding decoration as an art form that reflects the creator’s vision and ideas, Al-Douri added, “There are two distinct approaches among decorators: a traditional focus solely on aesthetics and a philosophy-driven approach aiming to convey deeper messages to the audience. The motifs used in decoration and floral designs vary according to historical periods, regions, and intellectual schools.” He praised Dubai’s cultural events for broadening audiences’ perspectives and enabling them to analyze the aesthetics of decoration.
A Pioneering Project
Calligrapher Taj Al-Sir Hassan affirmed that the art of decoration has opened new dimensions and avenues in the modern era, leveraging advancements brought about by technology. He cited the groundbreaking project by artist Marwan Al Aridi, which he embarked on four decades ago. Al Aridi utilized laser technology employing vector techniques that allow for infinite scalability without compromising quality due to pixelation.
He stated, “Advanced techniques in calligraphy and decoration have provided creators with various options for executing their works, such as wood engraving, printing, and weaving. Moreover, artificial intelligence has become a supportive tool for artistic creativity, which remains indispensable to the human hand, as its nuances reflect the artist’s psyche.” He dismissed fears regarding the integration of modern technologies in art, emphasizing their positive impact.
Additionally, Taj Al-Sir Hassan remarked, “Islamic arts are deeply rooted in history, encompassing many centuries. The rapid spread of Islam east and west allowed for these arts to absorb elements from diverse cultures. The styles of decoration differ based on the underlying cultural influences, including various schools such as Safavid, Turkish, and Isfahani, among others.”