The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), in collaboration with the Abdul Latif Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture, will host the second edition of its Islamic Art Conference from November 25-30. This event will serve as a cultural celebration and a global platform to showcase the heritage, living traditions, and emerging trends in Islamic arts and crafts from the Arab world.
Highlights of the Conference
Titled “In Praise of the Artisan: A Reassessment of Contemporary Islamic Arts and Crafts Practice,” the weeklong conference will delve into the current state of Islamic arts and crafts. The program includes a variety of activities, such as:
- Lectures
- Panel discussions
- Workshops
- Special exhibitions
- Film screenings
- Demonstrations by skilled Islamic craftspeople
‘In Praise of the Artisan’ Exhibition
Coinciding with the start of the conference, Ithra will launch “In Praise of the Artisan,” an exhibition that explores the rich history and diverse influences of Islamic arts and crafts worldwide.
Organized in partnership with the al-Sabah Collection, Dar al-Athar Al Islamiyyah in Kuwait, the exhibition will feature both historical and contemporary works to highlight the evolving history and ethos of Islamic artistic traditions. It will display the largest hand-carved stone screen created since the 17th century’s Taj Mahal, along with eight specially commissioned pieces, including large installations, rare collectibles, and contemporary works by master artisans from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, India, Spain, Egypt, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Malaysia.
“The synergies of conducting both events in parallel will provide a uniquely interactive and immersive experience designed to educate visitors about Islamic handicrafts and artisans from the Middle East and beyond,” said Al-Rashed.
“This conference and exhibition support our ongoing efforts to unearth new ideas from around the world for designing mosques and encouraging innovative planning, design and technical ideas that can form a new identity for Islamic art,” stated Mashary Al Naim, Secretary-General of the Abdul Latif Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture. “Islamic art no longer discusses works of art and architecture as tangible creations, but rather looks at them in the context of work, crafts, and daily practices.”
Exploring New Initiatives and Institutions
The event will explore new initiatives and institutions established to preserve traditional craft skills through training and employment. It will also address efforts to help artisans find new markets or adapt their work to global challenges. Additionally, the conference will discuss the importance of relationships and care in craft production, traditional materials and methods, and the role of crafts in stimulating social change in developing Islamic countries.
“In Praise of the Artisan” will continue to be displayed at Ithra after the conference concludes.
Reported by: Aramco Life Featured image: Welcome Saudi
