World-renowned speakers note surge in global interest in Islamic art at Sorouh-sponsored Canvas Education seminar. Introduction to Islamic Art is supported by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and Sorouh Real Estate PJSC Canvas Education welcomed the region’s art collectors, students and art lovers to the first day of Introduction to Islamic Art at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi today. The seminar, sponsored by Sorouh Real Estate PJSC and supported by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, sees world-renowned speakers discussing key topics in Islamic art. The seminar will continue for the next two days, attracting art lovers and luminaries from around the region. It aims to provide an introduction to Islamic art, which lies at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s cultural agenda and has recently seen an increased market interest both in the region and globally. Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Canvas Magazine, Ali Khadra said: “After receiving encouraging feedback from the Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Art seminar in January, we think this is the perfect time to invest in the appreciation of the tradition and historical significance of Islamic art. With the resurgence of calligraphy and geometric art in modern works, this seminar is the perfect starting point for art collectors and enthusiasts to cultivate their passion.” “We are especially pleased with the lecturers, who are renowned experts from respected institutions, including Dr Ernst J Grube from the Islamic Art Journal, Dr Doris Behrens-Abouseif of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and Dr Venetia Porter from the British Museum, amongst other top international specialists.” “We couldn’t have put together an event on this scale without the on-going and significant support from our sponsors. It is a credit to the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and to Sorouh that they recognise the importance of these events to the cultural renaissance occurring throughout the UAE, and particularly that Islamic Art is an important part of our culture with great relevance to the nation.” Masood Al Awar, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Sorouh Real Estate PJSC, said: “Events such as Introduction to Islamic Art are an essential part of Abu Dhabi’s fast-growing cultural calendar. This seminar shows the Emirate’s ability to attract high quality, world-class speakers, and also demonstrates how important Islamic Art is to the nation’s heritage and identity.” “Sorouh is excited to support this event as part of our corporate social responsibility campaign, alongside the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. We are engaged in building developments in line with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 plan, and by supporting events such as this we have an opportunity to play our part in the Emirate’s cultural and social development as well.” Topics under discussion include Islamic archaeology in the Gulf, the art of the Kiswa, the tradition of ceramics and metalwork, illustrated literature from the region, the aesthetics and moral traditions of calligraphy and the trends and history of Islamic collecting. Introduction to Islamic Art is broken down into three distinct days of unique lectures. Day 1 - Introduction to Islamic Art: Arab Civilisations World-renowned experts from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and the Université de Paris will lay the foundations for understating the meaning of Islamic art, reveal the zenith of art and architecture from the Umayyad and Abbasid periods and explain the foundations of Islamic archaeology in the Gulf. Day 2 - The Reach of Islam: Arts and Crafts Lecturers from the Nasser D Khalili Collection, Sotheby’s and the Islamic Art Journal will offer insight into the art of the Kiswa, the cloth covering of the Ka’bah, the tradition of ceramics and metalwork, illustrated literature from the region and the trends and history of Islamic collecting. Day 3 - Calligraphy: From Traditional to Modern Authorities from the region as well as international institutions such as the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, take on the historical value and resurgence of calligraphy. Highlights include the aesthetics and moral traditions behind the practice, its role in amulets and protection and a workshop demonstrating the basic rules, tools and materials.

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