In Praise of the Artisan

Despite the devastating effect of mass production, industrialization and the related decline in quality and aesthetics, as well as a low status of crafts compared to the fine arts, the last decade has shown encouraging signs of a new revival and interest in contemporary practice of traditional Islamic arts and crafts around the world. Museums are beginning to treat Islamic art as a living tradition by connecting Islamic art with craftspeople and their workshops in order to help make more sense of their historic collections. Moreover, researchers are increasingly taking interest in traditional craft as living practices and basing their research on the experiences of professionals in these areas. As a result, the field of Islamic art no longer discusses works of art and architecture as reified creations but considers them in the context of labor, craft and everyday practices. Moreover, new initiatives and institutions have been established to keep traditional craft skills alive through training and job opportunities including efforts to assist craftspeople to find new markets or adapt their work to global challenges. 

With the aim of documenting this work, capturing some of these new trends and directions, as well as shedding new light on the Islamic crafts more generally, Ithra in partnership with ‘Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture’ aim to hold a conference that explores the current health and status of arts and crafts around the Muslim world. The six-day agenda includes lectures, panel discussions, workshops, special exhibitions, film screenings as well as demonstrations by craftspeople. This event will offer a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the wide range of Islamic crafts, the role of relationships and patronage in craft production, traditional materials and methods, as well as the use of craft as a catalyst for social change in developing Muslim countries. In addition, attendees will learn about the important and laudable work being conducted by individuals and institutions to engage with living craft traditions and craftsmen today. 

This conference is offered in conjunction with Ithra’s exhibition IN PRAISE OF THE ARTISAN which examines the rich history and influence of the arts and crafts of Islamic world. The exhibition aims present historic works alongside contemporary works that continue to embody the ethos and practices of traditional Islamic arts and crafts. 

The conference will assemble a diverse and passionate group of attendees from across the world, including curators, scholars, charities, NGOs, collectors, and individuals and institutions committed to exploring the revitalization of the Islamic artistic tradition by supporting the artists who keep these precious art and craft traditions alive.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 
•    To present a record of the continuation of a living Islamic artistic tradition and artisans living and working in the twenty-first century
•    To challenge the distinction between ‘Fine’ and ‘Decorative art’ and to allow the craftsman to earn the title of ‘artist’
•    To kickstart a new appreciation of the decorative arts in the region and throughout the world
•    To elevate the status of crafted objects and to recapture the spirit and quality of premodern Islamic craftsmanship
•    To revive traditional crafts and to provide jobs

 In Praise of the Artisan exhibition will be held in Ithra’s Gallery 3 from November 2024 – December 2027.