IRL 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Nasrid Dynasty, Kufic, Iwan
4 Jun 2016
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Islamic art not just one thing: local cultures converted so there are different expressions. Absorbed and converted local art to aniconic. No human figs, usually geometric, or organic religion sets framework and reshapes society. Part of commissioned pair for funerary saint. Decor: location specific, see sun, lamps, dark blue pool with lotus blossoms, representation of paradise. Luxury and practical, good for nomadic cultures, devt instead of paintings or sculptures etc. Honors act of prayer and aids devotion. Mihrab indicates direction of mecca, is part of madrasa (religious school) Epigraphic design: calligraphy as design element, verses from quran. V expensive process, valuable, for very significant text/art. Use of kufic script reserved for illuminating quran, to unify regional styles in diff islamic regions = legible and easy to read. Persian mosques: more tiles, new forms esp big entryways called iwan. Palace: tiled decorations, lots of honeycomb-looking domes. Div into 4 quadrants, water, fountain of life.
