Paige Becker-
Professor Bomboy
Modern Culture and the
Arts
February 14, 2016
Non-Western Art Critique
Pieces of Non-Western
art can be found in many places around the world and have such unique
characteristics that make them beautiful works of art. An example of a piece of
Non-Western Art, that it not only aesthetically pleasing, but also shows the
great detail that went into the pieces of art that were produced during this
era, is the Mihrab from the Madrasa Imami. The unique elements of this work of art
make it a remarkable sight to view. Not only does the use of the small tiles
that form the mosaic look intrinsic, but they also are part of a larger meaning
behind what the mosaic is used for.
The Mihrab from the
Madrasa Imami was found in Iran, Isfahan in the year 1354(Kindred Subjects),
but is now is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The medium is a "mosaic
of cut tiles that were set into mortar"(Kindred Subjects). By the great detail that was put into
this piece there is no doubt why it may have taken much time to complete. The mihrab
has artistic value but functions at a higher level because it is used for worship by
many Islamic people.
In the Islamic religion
a mosque is the center for prayer rituals, a place where people go to worship
what they truly believe in. One of the focal points of a mosque is the mihrab,
a nook in the mosque that is position in the direction of Mecca. The importance
of this is that in the Islamic religion this city is viewed as among the
holiest of cities because of it being the birthplace of Muhammad, founder of
Islam.(Kindred Subjects)
At first glance, when
viewing the mosaic, it looks like a picture but it is not. It is a nook that is
carved out of the wall inside the mosque. It is amazing to look at and would be
quite a sight to view in person. The colors that are used in this beautiful
work of art are many shades of blue, white, and a burnt orange hue. The pattern
has geometric shapes and also floral patterns that can be viewed throughout the
entire mosaic. The use of all of the colors and different tiles throughout the
mihrab come together to create a strong unity amongst the elements.
The mosaic is composed
of stucco, tiles, and woodwork. The detail that went into creating this work is
astonishing. When viewing the piece it can be concluded the time and effort
that went in creating this masterpiece truly shows the meaning that this mosaic
was something that was created in order to be a focal point for worship. The
inscriptions on the art state verses spoken by the prophet Muhammad and were
recorded in the Qur’an(Kindred Subjects). The culture flows out of this piece, evoking the sense
of religious community amongst those who visit this work of art.
The Mihrab stands
eleven feet tall drawing the attention of those wish to worship toward the direction
of the holiest of cities (Mihrab, Prayer Niche). The use of contrast between
the shades of blue against the pure white makes the piece pop with color. The
orange hue that is perfectly placed within the tiles draws attention to those
areas on the Mihrab. The pattern used by the placement of the tiles is
mesmerizing and it suggests the movement of the tiles toward the middle of the
niche. The tiles height and width in comparison to the entire piece is that of
comparing a NBA players end of his shoelace to his overall height and width, in that the tiles are very
small and the overall mosaic is very large. The use of these small tiles
allowed the artist to add extreme amounts of detail in order to further meaning
behind the piece.
Overall the use of
great detail when creating this astonishing piece of, not only Non Western Art,
but also non-western history, made the piece a well-known and adored mosaic. The
fact that it is not just art, but it also functions in the use of worship is
amazing. It would be incredible to be able to worship while viewing such a
beautiful mihrab that is pointed to what many believe to be the holiest of
cities. This piece of art caught my eye as soon as it was introduced within the
lecture and I knew right away that this was a piece of art that I wanted to
inquire about, which is why I chose it. It is beautiful and I could spend much time looking at it, and would like to view it in person one day. I am glad that I did inquire about the Mihrab from the Madrasa Imami because I learned
not only about the artistic components of the piece but also the religious functions.
(Mihrab, Prayer Niche)
Works Cited
"Kindred Subjects: Art Stories
from New York City: Mihrab (Prayer Niche), A.H. 755/ A.D.
1354–55, Iran, Isfahan; Mosaic of
Polychrome-glazed Cut Tiles on Stonepaste Body; Set into Mortar." Kindred
Subjects: Art Stories from New York City: Mihrab (Prayer Niche), A.H. 755/ A.D.
1354–55, Iran, Isfahan; Mosaic of Polychrome-glazed Cut Tiles on Stonepaste
Body; Set into Mortar. Web. 19 Feb. 2016.
"Mihrab, Prayer Niche | 39.20
| Work of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The
Metropolitan Museum of Art." The
Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. Web. 20 Feb. 2016.
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