TALLI: Silver Between Tradition & Modernity

Dr Reem El Mutwalli, founder of The Zay Initiative, and Paula Quetglas Llop, Creative Director and Cofounder of NIILI discuss a collaborative upcoming exhibition of the same title due to take place at Zaman Awwel, Mall of The Emirates, on 9th May - 9th July. Both Exhibition and talk focus [...]

Mosques in Sub-Saharan Africa (Online Short Course)

This two-day online course introduces participants to Muslim architecture in Sub-Saharan Africa. Following an introduction on Islamic architecture and mosques, the first session will explore mosques in West Africa, from the Sahara to the tropical forests. The second session will look at the mosques in East Africa, from the Nile [...]

Persian Pattern

Explore the geometric genius of the Persian master-craftsmen. Learn the art of compass and straight-edge construction and create a dazzling portfolio of geometric patterns from the Persian tradition.  ​ "A brilliant course so clearly and patiently taught. Such a lovely few days and plenty to work with after the course. Totally [...]

The Silver Ratio

The Silver Ratio, though less well know than it's shiny cousin, has similar mathematical properties and hence can be used to generate a highly flexible grid structure.​ After an introductory, contextual slide show exploring the proportional qualities of the Silver Ratio and their relevance to pattern design, we will construct [...]

Decorative Moroccan Painting: The Art of ‘Zouaq’

with Natasha Mann  (http://www.natasha-mann.com) This two-day course, led by Natasha Mann, will introduce students to the Art of Zouaq. Zouaq is a painting technique original to Morocco which creates arresting and powerful designs. Found painted onto ceilings, doors, furniture and wooden objects it is an integral part of the decoration of [...]

New Podcast: The Making of a Master Calligrapher with Bilal Badat

Join Bilal Badat, master calligrapher and scholar, for a conversation about the meaning of Islamic calligraphy. Badat explains calligraphy not just as a craft but as a means of transmitting and glorifying sacred knowledge. He shares fascinating insights on the making of calligraphers  – the way in which the  long [...]

Warfare in Muslim Material Cultures: From Egypt to Bilad al-Sham (Online Short Course)

Military architecture through recent archaeological excavations and arms and armour in the Royal Armouries Collections. The course presents Muslim material cultures in a very specific context: warfare in the Middle East and Egypt during the Medieval and Modern Ages. War played a very important role in Muslim cultures and through [...]

Persian Patterns

Explore the geometric genius of the Persian master-craftsmen. Learn the art of compass and straight-edge construction and create a dazzling portfolio of geometric patterns from the Persian tradition with Daniel Docherty at SAOG Studios.

Alhambra Arabesque

Alhambra Arabesque:The Court of Lions façade Join Adam Williamson for this two day intensive exploring the stunning rosette panel in the Court of Lions, Alhambra Palace, Granada. We will draw the full extended geometric and biomorphic pattern complete with multiple rosettes. The composition that we'll be working with is full [...]

ASK THE EXPERT: GLAIRE ANDERSON

ASK THE EXPERT This month, Glaire Anderson is our selected expert! Glaire is a specialist in Islamic visual culture with a focus on medieval Iberia and the age of the great caliphs (roughly 650-1250 CE), and a Senior Lecturer in Islamic Art at the University of Edinburgh. An advocate for [...]

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