About this event
This Exhibition, “The Art of Islam: Ritual, Beauty, Pattern” is a collaboration between Westbury Arts and the Islamic Center of Long Island.
Curated by a group from the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury, it illustrates the stylistic, cultural, and historical breadth of Islamic art. The work on display, coming from home collections of local Muslim families and the works of modern Muslim artists, employs various art forms, such as calligraphy, paintings, pottery, and metal works. Included on display will be the hand-carved ivory replica of the Taj Mahal (seen above) which is only 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches.
The exhibition groups these pieces according to three unifying characteristics of Islamic art: ritual, beauty, and pattern. Traditional Islamic art emphasizes the teachings of the Quran (ritual), the exquisiteness of the world crafted by a loving Creator (beauty), and repetitive, all-over surface decoration (pattern) suggesting the infinite. Says Dr. Faroque Khan of Jericho, co-chair of the art exhibition committee, “Just as the religion of Islam embodies a way of daily living, this collection helps to illustrate concepts that have unified Muslims through time, space, and mode of artistic expression.”
Westbury Arts is proud to partner with the Islamic Center. Our President, Julie Lyon has said that “Our hope is that this exhibition will allow all who visit to enjoy the art while broadening their understanding of Islamic culture.”
In addition to our opening reception, gallery viewing will be available on:
Fridays, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, on August 12th, 19th, and 26th.
Saturdays, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on August 13th, 20th and 27th.
Sundays, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, on August 7th, 14th, and 21st.