IAMM latest addition of Special Exhibition entitled The Arabesque aimed to highlight the significance of vegetal ornamentation, which has flourished across the Islamic world for over a thousand years. This exhibition was specially-curated to reach broader audience and to enhance the understanding of Islam and its rich traditions.
The arabesque is characterised by intricate scrolls of bifurcating stylised leaves that embellished many objects that were produced within the Islamic world. It is one of the main Islamic decorative repertoire, which normally avoid the figurative imagery. The main principle is to symbolise the perception of Islamic belief, reflecting the oneness of God, eternity and the allure of the Gardens of Bliss in Paradise. Visitors will discover the origin and the regional variations of the arabesque, from the fundamental Persian Islimi and Arabian Tawriq to the glorious Rumi and Hatayi of the Ottoman Turkey. It was also a highlight of how arabesque inspired other parts of the world; from the West to as far as China and Southeast Asia. A selection of historical miniature paintings and the artworks of prominent Orientalist painters will provide the visual aid about the application and the appreciation of this perpetual art tradition. The chronological and thematic storyline of this exhibition will bring the visitors through the inception, evolution and the contemporary adaptations that reflects the essence of arabesque, which is harmony between rhythm, symmetry and intricacy.
From October 2018 to September 2019, this exhibition travelled to the British Museum and a catalogue entitled The Arabesque: An Introduction was published to commemorate the collaboration and the launch of the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World. The exhibits returned to Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, refined with new additions of artefacts from its expanding collection.
The catalogue is still available for sale at the Museum Shop.