Arabesque: The Art of Islamic Design

Course taught by Adam Williamson. Arabesque (Islimi), is one of the three distinct disciplines that underpins Islamic art (the other two being Calligraphy and Geometry). Arabesque represents the underlying order and unity of nature, it is evident throughout the Islamic world from Morocco to Malaysia. This practical module is an introduction to the various families of motifs and styles and their historic origins and symbolism, it outlines the techniques involved within the construction of a traditional composition and its unique underlying rhythmic structure. It also teaches the traditional painting techniques and how to make shell gold and finally how to apply the designs to other materials, for example: leather, plaster or glass.