A Paris exhibition explores the body in Arab art
THE NATIONAL
By Hannah Westley
FRANCE - As this exhibition goes to show, the body, contrary to popular belief in the west, has long been present in the work of certain Arabic artists and occupies an increasingly important place in the work of contemporary artists. Historically, art from the Arab world has focused on floral, vegetal and geometric motifs and calligraphy. The arabesque in Islamic art is often used to symbolise the transcendent nature of God but representations of the human body have generally been avoided as they are considered by many Muslims to be a form of idolatry. Le Corps Découvert opens today and continues until July 15. For more information visit imarabe.org. [link]
By Hannah Westley
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| Mouvement décomposé, 2010, by Mehdi-Georges Lahlou. Courtesy Galerie Dix9 |