Abstract
The paper discusses how many civilizations have long used artistic designs for a variety of purposes, for instance, some civilizations have used artistic designs for emblematic purposes, while some have used artistic designs for ornamental and/or architectural purposes; still others, perhaps unsurprisingly, have used artistic designs for spiritual symbolism. The paper also notes that artistic designs almost invariably utilize mathematical concepts, specifically, within the Islamic art tradition. This paper focuses upon how students can learn about a host of geometric concepts - symmetries, transformations, reflection/rotation- by understanding the symmetry found in Islamic art. The paper provides a serviceable definition of geometry; the next stage is to look at symmetry in Islamic art. From there, the paper looks at the mathematics of symmetry - particularly as mathematics appears to manifest itself in Islamic artwork. Lastly, the paper looks at how symmetry (as manifested in Islamic art) can be utilized to teach geometry in the contemporary classroom. The paper shows how the patterns that we see all around us when looking at Islamic art - be it in a gallery or in a classroom - provide a host of "teachable" moments that can energize the learning process.

From the Paper
"Many civilizations have long used artistic designs for a variety of purposes. For instance, some civilizations have used artistic designs for emblematic purposes, while some have used artistic designs for ornamental and/or architectural purposes; still others, perhaps unsurprisingly, have used artistic designs for spiritual symbolism. Another thing that is not at all a surprise is that artistic designs almost invariably utilize mathematical concepts. Specifically, within the Islamic art tradition, there has long been the extensive use of geometric and symmetrical..."

Tags:islamic, art, math

Abstract
This paper discusses epigraphic and vegetal bowls from the early and late Medieval periods of Islamic art. The paper details the decorative elments of Islamic art and explores why Islamic art is generally devoid of naturalism.

From the Paper
"Given the strict nature of Islam and the prohibition against any compromise of the unity and transcendence of God, Islamic culture and tradition established early on an absolute ban on any image or representation of God or Muhammad. Many Arab Muslims extended this ban to any representation in art of the human form. This attitude resulted in the use of calligraphy, Arabic script and Arabesque geometric and floral design as dominant forms in Islamic art. Regardless of whether one refers to architecture..."

Tags:Islamic Art, bowls, epigraphy, vegetal, decorative, naturalism

Abstract
The paper looks at the extensive use of geometric and symmetrical patterns in Islamic art. The paper provides a definition of geometry and looks at translations, rotations and reflections in Islamic art. The paper then examines the mathematics of symmetry and how symmetry, as manifested in Islamic art, can be utilized to teach geometry in the contemporary classroom.

Outline:
Introduction
Symmetry in Islamic art, Part I
Symmetry in Islamic Art, Part II
Symmetry in Islamic Art, Part III

From the Paper
"Many civilizations have long used artistic designs for a variety of purposes. For instance, some civilizations have used artistic designs for emblematic purposes, while some have used artistic designs for ornamental and/or architectural purposes; still others, perhaps unsurprisingly, have used artistic designs for spiritual symbolism. Another thing that is not at all a surprise is that artistic designs almost invariably utilize mathematical concepts. Specifically, within the Islamic art tradition, there has long been the extensive use of geometric and symmetrical patterns - so much so that it may be put forward that one of the defining features of Islamic art is its ability to incorporate mathematical concepts and ideas in ways that are rich, vibrant and aesthetically pleasing."

Tags:translations, rotations, reflections, mathematics

Abstract
In this paper, the comparison and contrasting artistic designs involved in both Roman and Umayyad fresco paintings are analyzed. It explains that the earlier Roman designs played a great part in influencing the Islamic peoples to use figural drawing and various decorative natural or organic themes. Much of this is seen within the context of the examples used in the paper, which conveys a large-scale influence of Roman Villa-styled fresco application and artistic design on various Umayyad palaces.

From the Paper
"This art study will examine how the Roman Fresco had influenced the Umayyad perspective on murals and fresco work in their mosaic design and symbolic meanings within these works. By providing examples from the various Umayyad frescoes that now exist in various levels of decay, one can realize how Roman frescoes had a major impact on how these latter works of art were achieved. In essence, this paper is to describe the influences that Roman frescos/wall painting had on Islamic fresco/ mosaic & wall-paintings in art history. The Umayyad choice of Syria as their power base had enormous effects on later Islamic art, as craftsmen from all over gathered together to learn compete and work on Islamic projects. The Umayyad art design was enhanced by the ideas and traditions of imperial Rome, incorporating ..."

Tags:islam, art, roman

Abstract
This paper examines how, by avoiding the depiction of zoomorphic images, Islamic artists were pressed to develop nonfigurative art which could still represent the beauty of Allah, the Koran, and their religion. In particular, the paper looks at how these artists accomplished this through intricate and seemingly infinite designs and through the art of calligraphy. The paper also examines how the formation of these techniques was so successful in conveying the religion of Islam that they have changed very little to this day, and many modern manuscripts, textiles, and wares can be found that resemble if not perfectly match those made during the medieval era. The paper also contains pictures of pieces of art.

From the Paper
"Although some Islamic wares were made with metal or other materials, clay was used most often due to a Muslim prohibition on the use of precious metals . An exquisite wooden box made to house a copy of the Koran also has inscriptions of the Koran on the outside . Ceramics were in high demand, as clay was a much more abundant source than wood or other humble materials. Ceramic tiles used to decorate buildings often included passages from the Koran in their designs, as do the star shaped tiles from the workshops of Kashan . Many bowls and cups included the text of the Koran painted on them in slip, but most often they were inscribed with single words like "happiness," or "comprehension." They were also painted with blessings for the owner or user of the item. Another common use of text in ceramics came to be the painting of proverbs. A 10th century bowl from Iran is painted with the wise words "He who talks much, errs much"."

Tags:Koran, calligraphy

Abstract
This paper discusses Islamic art, music and dance. It presents these three aspects of Islamic art in the form of an exhibition and details the history and practices of each art form. It begins by discussing five Islamic musical instruments, then goes on to discuss Islamic views on dance and finally looks at the different cultural influences that contribute to Islamic art.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Music
Dance
Art

From the Paper
"Muslims have had different views about dancing. Throughout Islam history, there have been times of greater acceptance or rejection of dance. Some believed there should be no dancing. To others, folk dancing between the same sex is acceptable, but not between mixed couples. Also, some see dancing as a way to become closer to Allah. Sa'adi, a Persian poet wrote about a band of travelers who came upon a boy who danced beautifully. Everyone was amazed by his talents, except a man who complained that dancing was wrong. However, his camel lifted his feet in dance and threw the rider to the ground. Those around said that even God's creatures could enjoy the dance, so why not he?"

Tags:Byzantine, Assyrian, instruments

Abstract
Art is influenced by a number of forces in society, in the environment, in the psychology of the people who produce and consume it, and in different institutions. Art is an expression of inner feel

From the Paper
"INTRODUCTION

Art is influenced by a number of forces in society, in the environment, in the psychology of the people who produce and consume it, and in different institutions. Art is an expression of inner feelings and beliefs and so naturally is influenced by religion in many societies. Some religious systems speak of art directly or have tenets which influence what can and cannot be depicted in art. The Quran is the theological basis for Islam and shapes the way people in Islamic societies express themselves, and this includes how they express themselves through art and architecture. The "rules" are not always followed and may not always be clear, and Islamic art has changed through the centuries, showing that the precepts in the Koran are flexible enough to allow for aesthetic development. Islamic society, however ..."

Abstract
A description of a visual art piece (an Islamic mosque) and a performance art piece (a traditional Chinese instrumental)and an explanation of how each work exemplifies aspects of its native culture.

From the Paper
"If given the opportunity to construct an art museum housing one piece of Islamic architecture and one piece of traditional Chinese music that effectively demonstrate elemental characteristics of each work's respective culture, one could indubitably include both Egypt's historical Islamic Al-Azhar Mosque and conventional early Chinese instrumental piece "The Maidens of Tea Mountain". Each work, one visual and one performance, is a clear reflection of the cultural mores and traditions distinct to the society from which it emerges..."

Tags:Islamic architecture, Chinese music, visual art, performance art

Abstract
A comprehensive chart comparing and contrasting various art forms (visual arts, architecture, literature, and music)characteristic of Greek, Roman, Islamic, Chinese/Japanese, Gothic, and Baroque cultures.

Tags:visual arts, architecture, literature, music, Gothic, Baroque, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Chinese, Japanese

Abstract
A summary explaining the characteristics and cultural ramifications of six artistic works inhabiting a fictional art museum, with special attention to their transcultural and transhistoric aspects.

From the Paper
"An Aggregate of Greek, Roman, Islamic, Chinese, Baroque and Gothic Pieces. In my assembled art museum reside six artistic pieces that effectively evoke the cultural and historical character of the civilization from which they originate. Featured creative works and their respective progenitor cultures include the "Athena versus the Giants" sculpture representing Hellenistic Greek visual art sculpture, "St Peter's Basilica" illustrative of early Roman architecture, the Egyptian Al-Azhar Mosque evocative of Islamic architecture, the traditional instrumental "The Maidens of Tea Mountain" representative of..."

Tags:art, culture, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Baroque, Gothic, Chinese