Visual Dhikr™
returning to remembrance

" The temptation of Islamic reformers is to reject, in the name of modernity, anything they consider old-fashioned or out-moded. When it comes to classical calligraphic art and its associated disciplines, that argument might have some small merit, but the tendency is to throw the baby out with the bath water. The consequences of this attitude have been catastrophic to the original arts themselves, to the artists, to connoisseurs, and to critics. The reformers' argument seems to be that the classical art is moribund, lacking in originality, and irrelevant. In many cases that is, superficially at least, true. Yet all the great calligraphers were originators and innovators, as are the best of today's masters, such as Hasan Celebi. Indeed, late 20th-century Islamic calligraphy is alive and well -- and, although the developmental and evolutionary chain is still intact, the art today is quite unlike its precursors in all but spirit."

Our own shaykh al-khatt, Muhamad Zakariya, USA, on Islamic Art and his work

Becoming a Calligrapher

"Let us offer you a deal," Ihsanoglu repeated in his impeccable diplomat's English. "In order to make progress in calligraphy, you must give up all you have learned and learn everything again from the beginning, from your hoca, who will be Hasan Celebi. If you accept, we will help you."

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"Visual Dhikr extends my identity as a Muslim in the cyber-space, and in the space of arts. You see, I believe every identity in the modern real world needs a platform, a place of reference, an authentication. Everyday, we see - though perhaps not notice with awareness - instances upon instances of people and nations who are perfectly correct in their belief, but without a reference group, a platform, a social contract that validates them."

We we're very impressed by this coverage of Visual Dhikr, by another blogger

Beautiful work by Daughter of Adam

"This is something I have started working on since my illness. It refers to the importance of having a Teacher in ones’ spiritual journey and refers to knowledge which leads to self-awareness. Beads are representative of people and learning"

VisualDhikr interviewed by the Palestine Chronicle

In the early years of Islam, a lot of Islamic art took inspiration from Christian Byzantine art and beyond this from China and Africa... read more

credit goes to Gato for setting this up.

"...but also of Muhammad, Jesus and Buddha" - I think the respective religions would be offended and I believe the followers of Jesus and Buddha should also stand up against such disgusting portrayals.

Berlin opera pulled over Muhammad scene

BERLIN - A leading opera house canceled a 3-year-old production of Mozart's "Idomeneo" that included a scene showing the severed head of the Prophet Muhammad, unleashing a furious debate over free speech.

In a statement late Monday, the Deutsche Oper said it decided "with great regret" to cancel the production after Berlin security officials warned of an "incalculable risk" because of the scene.

full article here

Take a virtual tour of the Al-Hambra, Spain

It's time to engage with Islamic art on its own terms - not as a bridge between east and west

When you hear the words "Islamic culture" these days, you are less and less likely to think of a carpet. But a carpet forms the centrepiece of the Victoria and Albert museum's new Jameel gallery, displayed in a glass case, but laid out on the floor, as a carpet should be. To preserve its colours, it is kept for 20 minutes out of every half hour in gloom. On the half hour and the hour exactly, the lights click on. Whatever they have been looking at, visitors turn, astonished, as if the gates to a beautiful garden have been thrown open. Even the guards come forward for another look. The subtlety and complexity of the pattern, the depth and richness of the colours, and the gigantic scale of the invention almost defy description. Ten minutes pass, and the lights click off; all around there are audible sighs of satisfaction and pleasure. read more

We plan to cover many articles introducing Islamic Art and its development. By no means will we ever do justice to its greatness, but we hope we can bring you a step closer to this aesthetic glory of Islam.

The definition of Islamic Art is really based on who is defining it. More often than not you will find many western material looking at Islamic Art from an orientalist standing, whereas the Muslim view may be completely different. Ultimately the Muslim artist knows the true meaning behind each artwork he/she creates, we can only make a judgment on what we observe.

I thought I might begin with a short introduction: Muslim Art and Ornaments, published by the Foundation for Science Technology and Civlilsation - it will begin you on your journey to understanding Islamic Art a little more.

Everyone, keeps bugging me so I thought I might aswell do one, yes Visual Dhikr will now officialy have a blog. This is just a place to throw up interesting links, artwork and commentry relating to Islam and Art. Keep coming back to check out the new and interesting (I hope) posts.

Khalas, back to the English class to improve my English before I embarass myself in public.