In this exhibition, co-curated by Mahmudah Begum Jaffer, selected artefacts from the Social History Collections[J1] of Iziko Museums form part of the display, together with images of decorative art from mosques around Cape Town. Islamic decorative art is mainly expressed in geometric forms in calligraphy, architecture and textile art, as the depiction of human and animal figures is forbidden in Islam. Islamic art reflects unity and the perfection of the proportions and symmetry of God’s creation. With contemplation and understanding, these elements all reveal deeper meaning according to the Islamic way of life. Qur’anic calligraphy is regarded as the highest form of Islamic art, and as such the patterns that illuminate the text carry a high standard of aesthetic harmony and discipline, balance and stability.
Enquiries:
Paul Tichmann, Curator
Tel: +27 (0)21 467 7215
Email: ptichmann@iziko.org.za
