Modernism the Islamic World

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course focuses on artistic modernisms that emerged from the Islamic world starting around 1860, when globalizing markets, new technologies, and profound political upheaval stimulated widespread artistic transformations. Studying both artworks and the written works of artists and critics who lived and worked in North Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia from 1860-1990, this course will examine how artistic modernisms—from surrealism to ecocritical art—were explored and shaped by artists in the Islamic world. From proponents of the hurufiyya movement in Iraq who experimented with the expressive and globally translatable qualities of abstracted Arabic letter-forms, to Moroccan artists of the Casablanca School who found decolonizing tools in creating immersive experiences, artists from the Islamic world formulated artistic techniques and styles deeply responsive to their changing contexts. No prior knowledge of the history of Islamic cultures is required and students with interests in related subjects are encouraged to attend. For more information about this and other courses in the Department of Art and Art History, please visit https://art.georgetown.edu This course is not available to audit.