1. Neotraditionalism in
Contemporary
Islamic Art
Alix Elizabeth (Art IV)

2. Definition
Neotraditionalism in Contemporary Islamic Art:
the juxtaposition of traditional Islamic art styles and
techniques with modern content, composition, or ideas

3. Beginnings
-definition of Islamic art has
expanded to include more
contemporary works
-Ali Omar Ermes (Libyan, b.
1945)

4. Lalla Essaydi
Moroccan, b. 1956
traditional calligraphy and henna
gender and power

5. Shadi Ghadirian
Iranian, b. 1974
juxtaposes women dressed
in traditional Qajar style
(1800s) with modern items
explores identity as a
Muslim woman in both Iran
and the world

6. Shahzia Sikander
Pakistani, b. 1969
trained in traditional
miniature Indo-Persian
paintings
now expanding installation
art- ex. Parallax, inspired by
UAE

7. Summing it Up
-Museum Islamic Art exhibits broadening to include
contemporary art- in the Met, LACMA
-first beginnings of trend emerged in mid-90s with artists like
Ali Omar Ermes
-more and more artists, especially women from traditionally
Muslim countries, are expanding upon this trend
-artists in this trend explore: traditional art styles, gender in
Islam, personal identity, religious identity

8. Sources
http://artgallery.tufts.edu/exhibitions/2015/parallax.htm
http://www.lacma.org/islamic_art/ian.htm
http://www.npr.org/2015/05/05/402642797/at-la-museum-
a-powerful-and-provocative-look-at-islamic-art-now
http://www.npr.org/2015/08/03/429010005/opulent-and-
apolitical-the-art-of-the-mets-islamic-galleries
http://www.npr.org/2015/10/02/445291163/breaking-the-
mold-artists-modern-miniatures-remix-islamic-art