Why Islamic Art?

Some people who visit this site may not understand why we have chosen to focus solely on Islamic Art. What is it about Islamic art that made us want to dedicate an entire business to it? Well, Islamic art was once considered one of the most treasured forms of art in the world, with collectors stretching to all four corners of the globe. Islamic art encompassed so many things, from stunning architecture which dominated most of the Middle East, Central and Southern Asia, North Africa and even parts of Eastern and Western Europe, to the incomparable beauty of Persian rugs, Quranic calligraphy, to the perfection of illumination and geometry; Islamic art - in all of its forms. It was seen as the quintessential symbol of love and devotion to the Creator of all creation. And far from imposing a dominant culture upon even those countries to which Islam spread, artistic expression evolved in Islam, always incorporating elements of local culture and art. This included influences from Roman and early Christian art to the art of the Chinese and much more.

The Islamic art of the Umayyads and Abbasids for example, was different to that of the Mughals and Ottomans. And IslamicArtPrints.com was born out of a desire to celebrate rich Islamic history far contrary to the negative narrative of Islam in the 20th / 21st century. We wanted to revive the beautiful tradition of Islamic art but to make it accessible, and we were only going to do it if we could bring the work of master-artists, craftsmen and craftswomen, to a global audience once more.

Simply selling computer generated, generic art with no story, no history and no general purpose was not enough. Why? Why did we not just set up an eBay or Etsy store to sell generic art? Because for us it was about more than just creating a commercial enterprise. And this question takes us to the Alhambra for example - where every single tiny detail (in what is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture), was meant to be a celebration of beauty and to invoke a sense of complete immersion into the beauty of faith. Or to the incredible artistic legacy left by the Ottomans who surrounded themselves with the most exquisite examples of Islamic art, which they felt drew them closer to God, or to a Higher message.

Art whether Islamic, Renaissance or Impressionist has the ability to talk to individuals in very different ways. And we wanted people, regardless of ethnic background, gender or religion - to feel moved and inspired by some of the incredible artwork being created around the world today.

So, when you buy a piece of Islamic art from us, know that it is imbedded in a much deeper history and tradition that goes as far back as the religion itself. And know that the purpose of art is to invoke an inner reaction within you that goes beyond just the beautiful piece of art that you have bought to adorn the walls of your home.

Are you ready to be moved? Are you ready to be inspired?