An introduction to Geometry in Islamic Art: Symbols of Unity & Order

Lines and circles. Who would have thought that these two simple elements are all you need to construct some of the most beautiful artistic patterns. Geometry is one of the great visual languages of Islamic art. An art form that requires technical skills, mathematical knowledge and once a pattern is formed, creates a quiet rhythm and sense of balance that becomes spiritual. That feeling isn’t accidental. 

It often begins with a single point. Daud Sutton, one of the world's most highly skilled generators of Islamic patterns, describes this point as a ‘dimensionless position in space.’ From there the lines and circles are added. 

The circle itself is profound, a shape with no beginning and no end, often regarded as a symbol of unity. It becomes a foundation and from there artists can build stars, squares, octagons, polygons. They begin to form grids, divisions and eventually create repeatable infinite patterns. 

“In Islamic art the geometric figure of the circle represents the primordial symbol of unity and the ultimate source of all diversity in creation." Richard Henry, Art of Islamic Pattern

The regularity of this form of design has captured artists attention from all disciplines across the world and islamic geometry fast became a masterclass in symmetry, reflection, rotation and tessellation. All of these I remember learning in school, but never fully understanding its spiritual significance. Yes, this method of creating art is quite practical, yet the essence and mesmerising power it portrays has a philosophical aura. 

If we look back through history, intricate patterns were well established amongst the Greeks, Romans, Sasanians but it was the Islamic scholars that took it to a new level. Islamic artists, mathematicians, astronomers and scientists elaborated and enhanced this form of decoration and created a style that would quickly become renowned all over the world. 

Geometry became prominent in Islamic Art and architecture not only for its visual clarity, but also for its suitability to sacred and everyday spaces. Alongside Arabic calligraphy, it's often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Islamic Art. Driven in popularity by some of the most beautiful architectural wonders of the world, such as the Al Hambra Palaces in Spain, grand mosques - both new and old, and is even prevalent in cultures and faiths outside of Islamic traditions. In museums you’ll find it adorning ornaments, clothing and everyday items, in the same way we continue to see it used in interiors and fashion in this day and age. 

Many of our Geometrists here at Islamic Art Prints spend their time teaching this traditional craft (list shared below), as well as continuing to push themselves into creating beautiful, complex pieces, such as the ones you’ll find on our site. 

As someone who has spent time taking part in geometry classes, trying first hand to construct patterns and learn the principles of this extraordinary practice, I’ve discovered that although yes we can do it ourselves under the right teacher - however, it’s really not as easy as it looks! 

The most important lesson I’ve learnt from the many classes I’ve taken, is that I will continue to practice this traditional and extraordinary form of art, but I have an extremely high level of respect and awe for the masters who have tirelessly perfected their craft, to within millimetres of precision. Our artists have drawn and painted series that are intricate to the nth degree, they celebrate this long standing tradition and as I hang their art on my wall, I am inviting centuries of practice into my home. 

Next time you look at a piece of geometry, remind yourself it all started with a single dot. Follow the lines, find the symmetry, find the freedom each artist has managed to incorporate as they chose where they wanted to build their repetition. Reflect on the time they spent choosing the right frame to stop infinity from unfolding and enjoy revelling in a style of art that continues to be explored and reinvented every single day. 

Explore our geometry collection here

Learn more from our incredible group of geometry artists:

• Samira Mian - courses available
• Sandy Kurt - courses available
  
• Clarissa Grandi - courses available
• Margi Lake
• Emily Washington
• Islam Farid
• Marido Coulon
• Lieve Oudejans
• Reinout Engel - email Reinout for commissions
• Maryam Golubeva - a different perspective on geometry
• Zeynep Sanli Iqbal