Artists have been using paper as a form of expression for thousands of years, through paper folding and intricate cutting techniques. Today, artists are redefining the art of paper.
Here are 24 contemporary paper artists inspired by Islamic geometry & pattern
A thread…
1/ Zubin Jhaveri is a Mumbai based paper sculptor and designer. After graduating from art college, he set out on a journey of self discovery and expression, experimenting with geometric paper sculptures
NEBULA artwork
Layered paper cut art with 25 layers of 300gsm paper.
2/ Rania Mousa creates paper artwork by repeating patterns. Inspired by Islamic geometry, origami and parametric design, she transforms sheets of paper into neat three-dimensional framed installations. Each piece is handmade with precision, patience and care.
3/ Studio Ibbini is an award-winning collaboration between Julia Ibbini and Stéphane Noyer creating works that intersect contemporary art, design and engineering. Based in Abu Dhabi, they create intricate, detailed works inspired by Islamic geometry, pattern & design
4/ Working at the intersection of art and science, @matthewshlian describes himself as a “paper engineer.” His use of both geometry and paper has defined his craft, with drawings, prints & sculpture that are unique in their manifestation
5/ Yossi Ben Abu is an artist based in San Francisco, California. Tossing has always had a fascination with geometry & mathematics, creating paper sculpture artworks
‘The Moment’ - 40”x50”x2.5” print, cut and hand folded paper.
Over 800 pieces.
6/ Bryn Edmonston is a self-taught artist specializing in colorful geometric layered paper cutouts, putting a contemporary twist on an ancestral art form. Her work is inspired by the tiling and plaster carvings of Southern Spain & North Africa…
7/ Lucy Cuts Paper is a self taught paper cut artist, who loves nothing more than to create unique pieces from paper. Her work is influenced by her surroundings and geometry in nature
8/ Zahra Ammara is a contemporary Islamic artist who specialises;uses in 3D paper sculptures. She loves the versatility and form that paper has to offer. In her own way, her expressions are cut and folded into her artwork.
This work is part of her Alchemy series
9/ Olga Skorokhod is a paper artist and sculptor. Her work is influenced by geometry and Islamic pattern. This laser cut paper work is titled dome.
10/ Anna Kruhelska is a visual artist and practising architect based in Lodz, Poland. Inspired by minimalism, architectural composition, geometry and origami Anna creates clean, crisp, often white-on-white framed wall installations.
11/ Bryn Edmonston is a self-taught artist specializing in colorful geometric layered paper cutouts, putting a contemporary twist on an ancestral art form. Her work is inspired by the tiling and plaster carvings of Southern Spain & North Africa…
12/ Zubin Jhaveri is a Mumbai based paper sculptor and designer. After graduating from art college, he set out on a journey of self discovery and expression, experimenting with creating paper sculptures.
13/ Studio M Artist is inspired by Islamic art and pattern, creating contemporary forms through paper sculptures and paper cutting. With a bold use of colour, the works stand out for their originality & boldness
14/ Daphne Lee is the artisan behind JUDiTH+ROLFE, she is a Singaporean-born Chinese paper artist who specializes in creating contemporary dimensional artwork out of on-edge paper strips. Her work is inspired by geometric patterns & nature
15/ British artist @zarahkhussain combines contemporary digital art with a training in hand drawn Islamic geometry. Her work encompasses animations made with code, interactive apps, painting, paper & sculpture
16/ Naomi J Kendall is a paper artist, who specialises in folded paper techniques, creating bold geometric designs that are influenced by Islamic pattern. Her use of colour creates incredible illusions
17/ Studio Ibbini is an award-winning collaboration between Julia Ibbini and Stéphane Noyer creating works that intersect contemporary art, design and engineering. Based in Abu Dhabi, they create intricate, detailed works inspired by Islamic geometry, pattern & design
18/ Gina Greene is a UK based paper cut Artist. She creates intricate cut works inspired by Geometry and Islamic pattern
19/ Miriam Fitzgerald Juskova is a visual artist originally from Slovakia, and now living in Ireland. She creates three-dimensional paper artwork using paper quilling techniques. Her work is inspired by her passion for mathematics and geometry, introducing a new visual language
20/ UK based artist @jennifa_nahar is fascinated by Islamic patterns. Through her work she challenges the possibilities of print and textiles. She talks about her experience as a printed textile practitioner, & interest in origami and paper sculptures
21/ For artist Ameet Hindocha, developing a multi-disciplinary practice with geometry at its core has allowed him to tap into an ancient but living tradition of design, and explore it with the tools & technology today. His work is inspired by the Islamic art & pattern
22/ Unaisah Nakudah us a Turkish paper cut Artist and paper sculptor. Her work is heavily influenced by the art of Islamic pattern and sacred geometry. She creates delicate, detailed paper cut geometric works
23/ Peter Keller is a Berlin based paper folding Artist. He experiments with paint, colour and texture to create bold vibrant pieces. His works are influenced by the intersection between science & art, geometry & Islamic pattern
24/ Juliana Bernell creates textured paper sculptures inspired by nature and human experiences. She explores geometry through her paper expressions, creating impactful pieces through experimenting with colour gradients
If you like this thread, check out our Islamic Art & Culture Digital Festival, happening online - 28 & 29 November.
At the festival, meet incredible artists & hear about their amazing work!
The art of Henna has been practiced in South Asia, Africa & the Middle East for over 5000 years. The botanical name of the henna plant is Lawsonia inermis. A member of the Loosestrife family, henna originally comes from Egypt.
A thread on the art of henna in Muslim cultures...
1/ The English name henna comes from the Arabic term الحناء (al-ḥinnā). The name henna also refers to the dye prepared from the henna plant and the art of temporary tattooing from those dyes. Henna has been used for centuries to dye skin, hair & fingernails as well as fabrics
2/ Modern scientists discovered that henna is antibacterial, antifungal, & anti-hemorrhagic & it has historically been used for medicinal purposes. However, although the use of henna has branched out since its discovery in North Africa its most popular use is still beautification
One of the oldest Mosques in the world, from the 7th century is in China. Chinese Mosques are often built in a pagoda style with a combination of both Chinese & Islamic aesthetics, unlike the familiar architecture of Mosques with domes & minarets.
A thread on Mosques in China…
1/ In China, mosques are called Qīng Zhēn Sì (清真寺, Temples of the Pure Truth). Other names include Huí Huí Sì (回回寺 Hui people's temple), Lǐ Bài Sì (礼拜寺 Temple of worship), Zhēn Jiào Sì (真教寺 Temple of the True Teaching) or Qīng Jìng Sì (清净寺 "Pure and clean temple")
2/ Chinese Islamic architecture reflects the local architecture in its style. It is a combination of Chinese & Islamic styles. However, in western China mosques resemble those of Iran & Central Asia, with tall, slender minarets, curvy arches & dome shaped roofs
Xiaopiyuan Mosque
At the Islamic Art & Culture festival Writer & Broadcaster @SaraSalehTweets will be in conversation with @DrEsraAlhamal Talking About A Revolution & more
The Old City of Sanaa in Yemen is one of the oldest cities in the world, continuously inhabited for more than 2500 years. Meaning 'fortified palace', the city is a work of art in itself, & remains one of the greatest treasures of Arabia
A thread on the Old City of Sanaa…
1/ Although an exact date for the establishment of Sana’a is unknown, according to Yemeni legend, it was founded by Shem, one of the three sons of Prophet Noah.
2/ Defined by distinct rammed earth and burnt brick tower-houses, the walled city has been inhabited for over 2,500 years and is home to the ancient pre-Islamic fortress of Ghumdan, a 20-story palace believed to be the world's first ever 'skyscraper'.
Moroccan design has historically been characterised by intricate carvings, arched doorways, vibrant colours & printed fabrics – paired with minimalist aesthetics, the two styles compliment each other beautifully
A thread on the art & aesthetics of Moroccan Minimalism…
Designer & Founder of Gould Studio @petergouldart will be opening the Digital Festival - reflecting on his creative experiences & the future of Islamic Art & Culture