Dr. Sheila Blair and Dr. Jonathan Bloom, holders of the Hamad bin Khalifa Chair of Islamic Art presents a lecture entitled 'Cosmophilia: Ornament and Islamic Art'.
Dr. Blair and Dr. Bloom who share the Hamad bin Khalifa Endowed Chair in Islamic Art will address what they have called 'Cosmophilia' (from the Greek "love of ornament") to express the love of ornament that characterizes much of Islamic Art.
The Hamad Bin Khalifa Endowed Chair in Islamic Art was established by the Emir of Qatar in 2005. The chairs will organize an international biennial symposium on Islamic art to alternate between Richmond and Doha. The first occurred in Richmond VA and the next will be in Doha November 4-6, 2007.
"Cosmophilia: Islamic Art from the David Collection", is also the title of their current exhibition, on view at Boston College. Ornament transforms the humble everyday object into a work of art, as artisans use vegetation, figures, writing, geometry, the arabesque (geometrized vegetal ornament) or a combination of these themes. Blair's and Bloom's lecture considers specific objects in the exhibition and proposes hypothesis about the role of ornament in Islamic art and why it has remained perennially popular and appealing up to the present day.
Islamic art has long fascinated the Western audience and remains a popular subject today, as scholars continue to question whether it is meant only to provide visual delight or has deeper meaning.
"This lecture series is an important contribution to Qatar's cultural efforts and therefore, we hope that it stimulates a wider awareness of the artistic marvels of Islamic civilization.' said Dr. Jochen Sokoly VCUQ Gallery Director and Assistant Professor in Art History.
"We are delighted to host this very important lecture from two of the most highly regarded Islamic Art specialists. It promises to be a fascinating lecture." added Christina Lindholm VCUQ Dean.
The second season of Islamic Art History lectures will comprise the latest scholarly research relating to the beginning of Islamic civilization until the present.
All lectures are open to the public and will be held at VCUQ, located in Education City. Lectures will take place throughout the 2006-2007 academic year.
