Islamic art

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/islamic-art

1. What is the artistic tradition?
2. What is the core aesthetic principles?
3. What is Islamic art and why does it use patterns instead of pictures of people?
4. Why are geometric patterns important in Islamic art?

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the artistic tradition?A transcultural phenomenon spanning over 1,400 years, not a single religious style
2. What is the core aesthetic principles?Emphasis on geometric abstraction, calligraphy, and arabesque motifs
3. What is Islamic art and why does it use patterns instead of pictures of people?Islamic art is a style that uses abstract shapes, calligraphy, and nature motifs instead of people. It focuses on patterns to honor the divine and keep the art spiritual.
4. Why are geometric patterns important in Islamic art?Geometric patterns show the endless nature of God and the order of the universe. They help people think about the world in a calm, beautiful way.

Aniconism: The avoidance of figurative imagery, particularly in religious contexts, leading to emphasis on abstract forms.
Tughra: A highly stylized calligraphic signature or monogram of an Ottoman sultan.
Madrasa: An Islamic educational institution, often featuring significant architectural and decorative elements.