PHOENIX NEW TIMES
By ASHLEY NAFTULE
 |
| Unknown, Portrait of Alhaji Shehu Muhammad Kangiwa with Olive Leaf Wreaths, Burkina Faso, late 20th century. Factory printed cotton. |
PHOENIX---At no point while viewing the new Art of Asia exhibition "Wondrous Worlds: Art & Islam Through Time & Place" did I feel that urge to shrug and walk away. A touring show organized by the Newark Museum, "Wondrous Worlds" brings together a range of Islamic art both secular and sacred made between the ninth century and 2016. The pieces come from every corner of the globe, and they’re organized across the gallery in clusters devoted to one of the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada (declaration of faith), Salat (five daily prayers), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting for Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). The exhibition’s biggest strength is offering up extensive context for what’s on view. [
More]
 |
| Unknown, Inscribed in Thuluth Script, Hand of Fatima Charm with Six-Pointed Star, Algeria/Morocco, before 1928. Brass. |
