Islamic Artin Image &Objectfrom the Godwin-TernbachMuseum @ Queens College

Student Activity Guide

Since early times, Islamic art has reflected a balanced, harmonious world view and has developed a uniquecharacter utilizing a number of primary forms: geometry, calligraphy, organic/figural and medallions, whichare 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.

Discoveringthe Cultureof Islamthrough Islamic Art

Copy of an early-14th c. lamp / French export, 19th c. / Glass with enamel and gold leaf, 11 3/4" h. / 62.22

DiscussArt that is influenced by Islam is found in many places of the world. The art can be divided into two categories: religiousand secular. Muslims believe that the creation of living things is the work of God so they forbid portraying people and animalsin 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 LearnLook at the images below and check off the characteristics that apply. What do these items tell you about the people who cre-ated 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

q Secular

q Calligraphy

q Medallion

q Religious

q Geometry

q Organic/Figural

q Secular

q Calligraphy

q Medallion

q Religious

q Geometry

q Organic/Figural

q Secular

q Calligraphy

q Medallion

q Religious

Words to knowIslam: the religion of Muslims

Qur’an (Koran): the sacred book of Islam

Mecca: holy city for Muslims, located in Saudi Arabia

mirhab: a decorated niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates thedirection of Mecca

mosque: a Muslim place of worship

Muslim: a follower of Islam

“rhages ware” terracotta, 8-3/4” diam. x 4”h. Seljuk, Iran, 12th–13th c. AD / 58.32

Copy of an early-14th c. lamp French export, 19th c. Glass with enamel and gold leaf, 11 3/4" h.

“Prayer Rug” Wool, 68" h. x 48" w. Turkey, late 19th-early 20th century

Draw!Write your name below in script as the central focus of a simple design usingsome of the Islamic art characteristics you have learned about.

Explore and CreateWhen viewing Islamic art, we notice four main characteristics: geometry, calligraphy, organic/figuraland medallions. While you explore the artwork in this exhibit, look closely at the designs and findexamples of each characteristic. Draw your examples in the appropriate box.

Geometry Calligraphy

Organic/Figural Medallion

Islamic Artin Image &Objectfrom the Godwin-TernbachMuseum @ Queens College

FEBRUARY 5 – MAY 31, 2007

Organized with Prof. Mark Rosenblum, Dept. of History and the Michael Harrington Center, Queens CollegeDr. Amy Winter, Director and Curator, Godwin-Ternbach MuseumDr. Rikki Asher, Director of Art Education, Secondary Education and Youth Services DepartmentSheila Ambrosio, Noemi Charlemagne and Lisa Rudolph, Writers; Candidates: MS in Art EducationSheila Ambrosio, Graphic Designer

Back in the Classroom Discussion Starters What common themes can you identify as Islamic in style? How are cultural beliefs conveyed as visu-al images? Can you think of a favorite object or rug in your home or community that might be an heir-loom? Does this object have significance within your family or community? What is it? Is there a storythat 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 andcommunities and why?

What do you treasure?Heirloom Rug DesignUsing your museum sketches, create sketches for an heirloom rug that willintegrate and reflect your culture. The designs and color scheme should havepersonal meaning to you. Your design will include a central motif/medallionand border pattern. Be sure to include an example of each of the followingprimary forms found in Islamic art : calligraphy, geometry, medallion, andorganic/figural.

Materialsmuseum 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 primaryforms (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 designsbold enough for painting purposes.

4) Keep in mind how colors will be chosenand carefully paint the areas according toyour color scheme. Avoid outlining inblack.

More words to knowheirloom: a valuable object that has belonged to a family or communityfor several generations.

motif: a consistent or recurrent conceptual element, usually a figureor design.

repetition: refers to a way of combining elements of art so that thesame elements are used over and over again