 |
|
|
About
I have been studying islamic geometry for over fifteen years, initially in Amsterdam, Holland. By using all the books I could find on the subject I taught myself the principles of geometrical design and exhibited my work as often as I could. I moved to
the
United Kingdom in 2000 in order to
receive
professional training in Islamic geometrical design at the VITA(Visual
Islamic & Traditional Arts) course at the Prince's Foundation
in London. I completed my MA in the History of Islamic Architecture
at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), also in
London. At SOAS I specialized in the history of Mamluk architecture in
Cairo, and in the history of muqarnas. I received a British Museum
scholarship award in recognition of my research.
My passion for
Islamic
architecture and geometry is in equal parts academic and artistic.
I am fascinated by the context in which Islamic geometric
design was made. Who were the craftsmen? What was their position in
society, were they numerate, were the literate? Similarly it is
interesting to delve into the possible reasons for the stylistic
preferences in geometrical design that are apparent in the Islamic
world. The artistic traditions in the field of geometry are different
when you compare, for example, Iran with North Africa or
Egypt. Having a knowledge of the historical context of the
geometrical
design has improved my artistic output. Conversely, because of my
experience in the creative aspect of geometrical designs, I am able to
better appreciate the skills of these Islamic craftsmen through the
ages.
In the Media
|
Broug
Ateliers was established in 2004 to
create a commercial outlet for
my geometrical designs. I provide a range
of products
and services inspired by Islamic geometrical design. My aim is to
present this design tradition in a contemporary light and to
make
Islamic art affordable to a large audience
