Home – NEW | Art of Islamic Pattern

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Art of Islamic Pattern

Courses, Educational Tours & Resources

Discover how patterns of profound beauty and subtle complexity can be created from the simplest of means and develop practical skills in the arts and crafts of the Islamic world.

In these unique skills based courses students use traditional methods to explore a range of classic Islamic designs and learn how to integrate freehand biomorphic motifs (Islimi/Arabesque) with geometric pattern. Students also have the opportunity to develop work using traditional techniques, including painting, gilding, ceramics, marquetry, stone and plaster carving. The practical work is supplemented by contextual slide lectures and the underlying symbolism of the forms is examined.

Art of Islamic Pattern was founded in 2008 by artists Richard Henry and Adam Williamson read more..

FAQs

Be will be participating in the 2023 Islamic Art Biennale in Jeddah and the V&A Museum Ramadan season

Articles throughout 2022 for Aramco World Magazine exploring Patterns from around the world. These publications are accompanied by films exploring each pattern in detail.

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$\text{[math]}$ Our online classes featured in the Wall Street Journal.

Boulder, DENVER USA ~ Plaster carving June ’23

Special one off session Boulder, DENVER ~ USA 17&18th June 2023

Private: New Mexico ~ Summer School ~ June ’23

New Mexico ~ Summer School ~ 23rd-25th June '23

NEW ONLINE SERIES – Patterns of Shah Rukn-e-Alam

In this special 4 part drawing meditation we will gradually create a large drawing composing of 9 biomorphic and geometric patterns that adorn the stunning central sacred carved screen at the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Multan, Pakistan.

Cairo ~ March ’24

Visits to the famous medieval Sultan Hasan Mosque & Ibn Tulun Mosque. The course will take place at the historic UNESCO Bayt Yakan

V&A Museum ~ Free workshops

Take part in this families workshop and explore 3D shapes and structures! Wednesday, 12 April 2023 – Thursday, 13 April 2023

Istanbul ~ July ’23

Classes within the exceptionally well-appointed 17th century Tekke in the heart of the historic area. 19th - 23rd July 2023

Fez, Morocco ~ April ’24

Study trip to Fez, Morocco. 14-18th April 2024

Granada ~ Sept ’23

Studying patterns of the Alhambra and create a leather embossing artwork.

Islamic Arts Biennale ~ Jeddah 2023

We are participating in this years Islamic Arts Biennale: Diriyah Biennale Foundation

Marrakech ~ Sept ’23 & April ’24

Study trip to Marrakech, Morocco. 25-29th September 2023

LONDON ~ Plaster carving July ’23

Plaster carved Rosette ~ London studios, 8&9 July 2023 Saturday & Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm

NEW BOOK – PROFOUND PATTERNS

Preorder a book celebrating the stunning artwork that has emerged as a result of our recent lockdown classes.

Online Class Archive

Downloadable course packs by Adam Williamson Includes guest appearances

LONDON ~ Wood Marquetry ~ July 2023

Weekend Wood Marquetry workshop, in our London studios, 29&30th July 2023

Geometry: Exploring 5 & 10-Fold Symmetry

ONLINE – Structured Courses

ON-LINE SERIES: Structured progressive programme of classes presented by Richard Henry. Recordings and all supporting media available here.

artofislamicpattern

Cairo Study Trip 2024 Drawing, crafts and histori

Cairo Study Trip 2024

Drawing, crafts and historic tours.

We are excited to announce that our latest study trip to Egypt will take place at the historic UNESCO @bayt_yakan 17th century building located in al-Darb al-Ahmar district in the heart of Historic Cairo. In March 2024 participants will have the opportunity to stay in the beautiful apartments within the ancient vast venue complex which we occupy for the duration of the course.

There will be daily lessons in mamluk geometric and nabati (Arabesque) patterns and a talks by fabulous local specialists/historians. The course will include a traditional Wood Inlay and Joinery workshop with the talented @alyaagamal_ Using intricate interlocking of pieces to create complex geometric patterns without the use of nails or glue, then inlaying bone, ebony, and wenge, following techniques used in magnificent historic Mamluk minbars of Cairo.

There will also be a traditional metal chasing (carving) class with local artisans, in which participants will apply pattern to their own brass plate.

Over the 5 day intensive workshop we will spend mornings drawing patterns followed by afternoon site visits to the most stunning Mamluk sites in and around Al Muizz street in the heart of Islamic Cairo. This trip will include extended visits to the famous medieval Sultan Hasan Mosque & Ibn Tulun Mosque, built in the 9th century.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/t-magazine/cairo-mansion-bayt-yakan.html

https://artofislamicpattern.com/study-trips/cairo-study-trip-2024/#/0

Other Study upcoming study trips for 2023 have limited places
Colorado Plaster carving ~ June
New Mexico Retreat ~June
Istanbul Study Trip~July
London Summer school ~ AugGranada Study Trip ~Sept
Cordoba Study Trip~Sept
Marrakech Study Trip ~ Sept
London V&A Mughal colonnade, free workshops ~ October
Dubai Public drawing workshop ~ Nov/dec
Doha MIA Musem, Pigment workshop ~ Nov/dec

Marrakesh vibes, what a week, what a gorgeous grou

Marrakesh vibes, what a week, what a gorgeous group of souls, stunning artworks, friends for life and a special way to mark our 10 year anniversary running study trips in Morroco!

Marcel is late for class. On route to our biomorp

Marcel is late for class.

On route to our biomorphic pattern drawing session here in the Fez medina @darseffarine

Film made on location by @zade_williamson 12 years 🤩 🎥 🌵 🎬

(Lead role Marcel is not on social media)

Next Fez course with places still available will be April 2024, don't be late, sign up early…these study trips become fully booked rapidly. There are still a few places on the Autumn 2023 Marrakech ✨ trip.

Masters of antiquity Subtle wonderers through myst

Masters of antiquity
Subtle wonderers through mystery

Under the terracotta hides a secret beautiful face,
Trust the hidden pattern to find the infinite grace

Zelij ceramic mosaic class! 🧡

We have been in Morocco for a week with a magical group, studying patterns and craft in @darseffarine Fez. Next week we move to Marrakesh to continue on the pattern path.

On the road for a series of Moorish Study trips, p

On the road for a series of Moorish Study trips, presently drawing and walking in the crystalline spring sun of eternity-enchanted Granada 🧡 with the @schooloftraditionalarts

@richardhenryart is teaching this elegant pattern from the Mirador de Lindaraja. This rosette sits snug within an equilateral triangle that gracefully echoes across a map of Enneagons and decagons.

You can join a wonderful group that's forming for our next Granada and Cordoba Study Trips which will be in September.

Drawings and analysis @richardhenryart

In Granada and @richardhenryart is currently decip

In Granada and @richardhenryart is currently deciphering the extraordinary snub cube cupola قبة; dome for the @schooloftraditionalarts MA Students within the Court of Lions at the heart of the Alhambra Palace.

It has 4,5,6,8&11 fold rosettes, can you see any others?

We will be back in Granada and Cordoba for our public programs in September, check the website for details.

Such a fun session with our local carers group. Th

Such a fun session with our local carers group. These are truly wonderful people, I’m learning so much from them, lifelong roles as home carers for disabled family members, humbling stories told with a smile. We will be creating more sessions integrating geometry and pattern and ways to engage on alternative levels of consciousness. It’s part of a larger project with Alzheimers Research UK and @ryzwaniqbal which we will be announcing soon focused on pattern and dementia prevention. If anyone would like to be involved DM me.
Special shout out to Tony ♥️ @carerscentretowerhamlets

Eid Mubarak everyone! Special painting just compl

Eid Mubarak everyone!

Special painting just completed by our dear awesome friend @vivien449 Vivien is going through a tough patch and this is a rare moment she can paint. So if you have any spare Ramadan Baraka (blessings) to share, send them her way 💫

What a privilege to spend this month in constant spiritual awareness, let’s hope we can retain this positive awakened state infinitum.

At the V&A applying final touches to our Icosidode

At the V&A applying final touches to our Icosidodecahedron built by a hundred pairs of tiny paws.

It’s bustling chaos, assembling giant polyhedral structures growing around us populating the Rapheal Gallery like a geometric jungle.

Especially love seeing the irresistible creative devotion grip everyone as they enter the gallery and get handed a bundle of bamboo and how people immediately band together to work with strangers for some traditional barn raising.

The five Platonic Solids which are spherical polyhedra, represent the five basic elements: earth, air, fire, water, the decahedron representing ether or the universe. The Pythagoreans, used the word cosmos, representing a ‘natural order’ and ‘adornment’. Theres always a moment when everything balances out when working with these building blocks of the universe, adding that finial piece to the puzzle which instantly make the structure whole and complete.

Thanks to all the V&A staff who have been helping out, there was a record 600 people visit over the workshop 🙈

Collaborators
@vamuseum
@ramadanproject
Assistance
@tjrdc

We drew for 16 hours, we dove deep and the pattern

We drew for 16 hours, we dove deep and the patterns emerged! @adamwilliamsonart class drawing from the Patterns of Shah Rukn-e-Alam online sessions which ended lastnight.

Recordings available 💫

New Mexico ~ Summer School ~ 23-25th June ’23

“Straight is the line of duty, and curved is the line of beauty.” Hasan Fathy

Geometry & Arabesque Retreat at Dar Al Islam ~ , Abiquiu, NM, United States

We have a extraordinary weekend program forming deep in the wilds canyons of New Mexico

With @adamwilliamsonart and special local guest artists Ricardo Hinojosa @kamikyodai , @aloriaweaver , @davidheskinart and Christopher Riederer @mistoph plus catering by Kohinoor ~ @rehana2323 and evening Sufi musical performance.

Spend the weekend together with us deep in nature drawing inspiration from the mountains, rivers canyons and each other. Walking by the moonlight and finishing the days artwork by candlelight under the earthen domes.

Our home is the stunning vaulted adobe masterpiece designed by the Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy. Located next to Georgia O’keeffe’s studio ‘Ghost Ranch’.
 Participants are welcome to bring a partner to relax on campus and join the group for meal times made from local from local produce and wild herbs. There are plenty of breakout spaces, libraries and courtyards to find silence.

Remaining accommodation is now limited, but there are local airbnb options around the valley, email islamicpattern@gmail.com for details.

You are welcome to come for the day and join single sessions or sign up for the full weekend.

Registrations via our websites:

https://artofislamicpattern.com/study-trips/new-mexico-summer-school-june-23-4/#/0

To read more about the building:
https://www.slideshare.net/chaitanyakorra1/dar-al-islam-abiquiu-new-mexico

More about Kohinoor Catering:
https://www.kohinoor-catering.com/about-us

Taking some artistic licence with the weekends onl

Taking some artistic licence with the weekends online pattern.

Still time to join the group this weekend for our special Baraka filled 4 part drawing course studying the sublime screen of Shah Rukn-e-Alam.

More details on our website

https://artofislamicpattern.com/online-classes/new-online-series-window-tomb-of-shah-rukn-e-alam/#/1

Sensational plaster rosette carving class over the

Sensational plaster rosette carving class over the weekend in our London Studios!

*Boulder, Colorado*

For anyone in US, @adamwilliamsonart will holding a special weekend carving class in Boulder, Colorado ~ 17&18th June 2023

Dairy Arts Centre
2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

https://artofislamicpattern.com/study-trips/boulder-denver-usa-plaster-carved-rosette/#/0

This is be followed by a weekend 23-25th June Summer School, Pattern Retreat in the wilds of New Mexico under the beautiful adobe arches built by Hasan Fathy.

More details to follow for this weekend. SAVE THESE DATES

Wishing those who are fasting a baraka filled myst

Wishing those who are fasting a baraka filled mystical month of Ramadan and everyone else a blessed month too!

Alittle time to tame the tiger so that the heart has all that space to flower like the spring blossom around us 🪷

12th century carving from Iran, currently exhibited at the Islamic Biennale in Jeddah

V&A Museum Free Workshop in Raphael Court Drop-in

V&A Museum
Free Workshop in Raphael Court

Drop-in Design: Islamic Shapes and Structures
Take part in a family workshop and explore 3D shapes and structures!

Join the @adamwilliamsonart to explore building 3D structures inspired by Islamic art and architecture. Work together as a family and build creations from sticks and other materials to explore ideas behind Islamic patterns and how these patterns can be built into structures.

11.00 – 16.00 - Wednesday, 12 – Thursday, 13 April 2023
   Raphael Court
V&A Museum
@v&a museum
South Kensington  Cromwell Road  London, SW7 2RL 

https://www.vam.ac.uk/event/O3qp9d4OnP/drop-in-design-easter-holidays-2023

Patterns of Shah Rukn-e-Alam NEW Online series ~

Patterns of Shah Rukn-e-Alam

NEW Online series ~ Ramadan special
1st & 2nd ~ 8th & 9th April 2023

In this special 4 part drawing meditation we will gradually create a large drawing composing of 9 biomorphic and geometric patterns that adorn the stunning central sacred carved screen at the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Multan, Pakistan.

The panel is central to the mausoleum of the 14th century Punjabi Sufi saint Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh. The shrine is considered to be the earliest example of Tughluq architecture, and one of the most impressive shrines in the Indian subcontinent. The shrine attracts over 100,000 pilgrims to the annual urs festival that commemorates his death. 
* 4 part series over 2 weekends

* All sessions are recorded and available for participants to watch after each session

* 9 biomorphic and geometric patterns

* 20% course fee goes to Earth quake Ramadan relief

* Register here - https://artofislamicpattern.com/online-classes/new-online-series-window-tomb-of-shah-rukn-e-alam/#/6

Instagram post 17851913597938440

Instagram post 17851913597938440

Biomorphs emerge bubbling from an unceasing source

Biomorphs emerge bubbling from an unceasing source that bobs on the currents of the divine, a silent omnipotent moment realised in form, found in discipline and release, a reverant movement that re-alines to a blueprint for that code that manifests in the allness.

….and the students really enjoyed the drawing session ☺️

Last minute sketch of the door at Ben Youssef Madrassa by @adamwilliamsonart for a session here in Marrakesh with the remarkably talented @agnesscottcollege 🙌

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