At times like these, you can feel all sorts of emotions. One of them can be a sense of powerlessness. A feeling that you cannot do much or change the situation. However, throughout history, artists of all kinds have played an important role in creating change. Change always happens through the hearts and minds of…

Islamic art possesses a rich tapestry of visual expressions, which stands as a testament to the profound interweaving of philosophy, spirituality and creativity. Rooted in the fertile soil of Islamic thought and culture, this art form has emerged as a portal to the transcendent, a means of connecting the material world with the divine realm. …

When we look towards the Golden Age of Al-Andalusia, we tend to look at it as a marvel of the past: a relic that was almost an anomaly in history.  Even today, we struggle to comprehend the society that created masterpieces such as the Alhambra and many others.  What is talked about even less are…

“To pay attention to craft is to learn from materials and process; to find joy in the utilitarian and the commonplace; and to realize that powerful ideas are made manifest through the works of the hands.” ~ Jean W. McLaughlin, Former Director, Penland School of Crafts, North Carolina, USA Every artist uses pencils. Pencils are…

In the world of art, where the strokes of a brush unveil stories of human expression and cultural richness, Islamic art stands as a hidden gem. From intricate calligraphy to mesmerising geometric patterns, this art form encapsulates the essence of Muslim civilisations across the ages. The captivating beauty of Islamic art has taken me on…

Stepping into the enchanting world of Spanish architecture unveils a captivating story of the influence of Islamic art, interwoven with the rich tapestry of Al-Andalus. Al-Andalus was a medieval Muslim territory on the Iberian Peninsula, southern Spain, spanning from the 8th to the 15th century, characterised by a rich blend of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian…