Blog 6, Spencer Tasso, Wow!

The Islamic display was stunning and informative, to say the least (it’s a figure of speech…) Honestly I know very little about the religion of Islam, their practices, etc. I watched a film a while back on it but I’ve forgotten much of what I learned. Nonetheless, this exhibit helped renew my enthusiasm for a religion that seems to take a lot of flack for extremism, radicalness, etc. Of course in reality, the extremists constitute very little of their religion, as it always is with radical practices.

My overall response to this exhibit was one of reference, awe, and intrigue, although it was all very foreign to me. I’d never really heard that much about Islamic art, it doesn’t seem to be the popular thing on the street around here. I’d never really seen much either. The art was extremely impressive, especially stylistically, which was something I was not used to. It all seemed so time consuming, yet beautifully rendered, and not for personal gain or glory. As is tradition, the glory is to God. Likewise, I was impressed that many of the artists didn’t even sign their own work- they do it to praise God. Something (random) I’ve always wondered is who Muhammad really is.  He’s obviously their prophet and a man of tremendous influence over them, and yet I know extremely little about him, not that I’m an expert or anything. But it seems that Jesus’s life was documented and such, we even know what he looks like. Muhammad on the other hand (once again, not that I’m by any means an expert) seems to have much less documentation. When did he live? Was he a real human? A myth? A demigod?

The following things interested me. The names of God, and how they are paradoxes. The pseudo aesthetics on a pot, the words are meaning less. The circle exhibit at the end. The visual language of their art. Their symmetry, geometry, calligraphy, etc.

Overall I was impressed and awed at what they created. I need to put more time into my own work, praising God more, and being more humble, like them. They are awesome. I’m definitely coming back when I find the time, it was amazing.