Art of the Middle East: Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World and Iran

Let's face it when most of us think of the Middle East we think of conflict, violence and extremism, rather than a vibrant and artistic culture. But "The Art of the Middle East" works to dispel these stereotypes. It is a tribute to close to almost 300 avant-guard artists who have sacrificed -- sometimes through persecution and exile -- to keep artistic culture alive over the past hundred years or so. Collectively, these individuals connect East and West, encourage understanding and bring to the world some of the most eloquent, politically fierce, passionate and spiritually edifying art.

Early on in the book we see the importance of the recorded word as art. Saeb Eigner gives us a brief history lesson as the Arabic language evolves into a written script. When the revelation of Islam to the prophet Mohammed in the early seventeenth century brought about the need to copy the holy text of the Qur'an, the goal of scribes became to make the writing be as beautiful as possible.

This job of copying text became a major artistic outlet as calligraphers expressed their individual styles with a reverence and devotion that elevated their craft. Many artists featured in this book show that, without even referring directly to Holy Scripture, calligraphy can evoke a mood and mysticism that induces great serenity and consciousness. This elegant Arabic script became a catalyst for a rich literary tradition that rose in the Arab world and Iran.

Many of the artists in this book have studied in the West or been inspired by Western art, and they have added to it in fanciful and clever ways. The art in this book isn't limited to the sublime; celebrity and pop culture are also examined. Post-impressionist images stand beside pop art reminiscent of Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.

It is a misconception that Islam forbids the depiction of the human body, but the depiction of animate beings is considered a form of idol worship in certain theological opinions. Unlike Europe and Rome, we do not see religious figures portrayed in places of worship, such as in Qur'anic and mosque decorations, so many modern artists in the Middle East explore portraiture and the body in creative and abstracted ways, which are beautiful to note.

Politics is addressed with varying degrees of directness by many of these artists. Feminist artists are represented along with pacifists and revolutionaries. Art in the Middle East and Iran isn't specific or limited; it is sometimes divine, sometimes secular, sometimes colloquial and sometimes insurgent.

The depictions in "Art of the Middle East" cannot possibly do justice to the actual works of art, though they are recorded in detailed full-color photographs. After all, some of the works mentioned in this book play music and have motion pictures associated with them. This art must be experienced in person, and luckily many museums in the United States and Europe have taken an interest in exhibiting some of these pieces. Still, this book is a tantalizing appetizer, inviting the reader to explore a rich, new world.

"The Art of the Middle East - Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World and Iran"
By Saeb Eigner, foreword by Zaha Hadid
399 Full-color pages
merrellpublishers.com