A rich era of Islamic art goes on show

MORE than 15 centuries of civilisation, art and its culture’s essence was presented to curious visitors when the ‘Treasures of Islamic Art’ exhibition opened at the Waqif Art Centre (WAC) yesterday evening.

From arabesque art – representing the transcendent, infinite nature of God, to the omnipresent calligraphic manuscripts in the Islamic art; from the versatile praying carpets to medallion-decorated incense burners and many others, the exhibition tempts the visitor to learn about a bygone – but rich – era.

If it was an Ottoman era praying-carpet crafted in the north of Cyprus in the 19th century, attracting glances from the visitors, then it was a mid-19th century pair of Damascene-style chandeliers, making the visitors stand still.

Other works of art at the exhibition, which runs until October 5, include wooden boxes, porcelain bowls, lanterns, vases, sales, banners, Ka’aba belt, panels and hundreds of such items. Most of the art-work was cited as having been found in Turkey, Syria and Iran.

One gallery at the WAC is devoted to displaying a range of beautifully embroidered prayer rugs, while WAC’s jewellery store, ‘Gold and Silver’ is showcasing prayer beads in a variety of different semi-precious stones, including tiger-eye, turquoise and amber.

WAC also houses a photographic gallery, Soora, Middle Eastern fashion through Zari Fashion and heritage design shop, Heraf. There’s also a specialised bookstore, Afkar Books, where quality art books and magazines covering Islamic art, are available.

“It’s a private initiative taken in an attempt to catch up with the pace of the government that has set up these magnificent facilities,” Waqif Art Centre director Tariq al-Jaidah said.

“We feel we are obliged to contribute. And by having such an exhibition of historical significance right here in Souq Waqif, we are offering a befitting tribute to this iconic place,” al-Jaidah added.

“In the process, we are also stimulating and educating the public here.”

According to him, a team of curators has put all the efforts in the past few months to screen, gather, store and display the tremendous amount of collection from the world over. Almost all the items at the exhibition can be purchased as well.

The organisers had kept the inauguration informal, so as to let the visitors “feel more welcomed by simply walking in.”

Prices for some of the artwork could go as high as $35,000, while the lowest price is $1,000, according to him.

The exhibition is sponsored by HSBC and welcomes everyone daily from 10am to noon and 7.30pm to midnight.