Inside/Outside Islamic Art and Architecture: A Cartography of Boundaries in and of the Field

Inside/Outside Islamic Art and Architecture explores alternative relationships between inside and outside, focusing on a wide range of mediums and topics, from painted manuscripts to architecture and urban planning. It brings together scholars with diverse methodologies from India to Spain and Nigeria, challenging the boundaries of the field.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

When we step into a gallery, we have a fairly clear understanding of where the building begins and ends, and while immersing ourselves in a painting, we confidently discern between the painting itself and its frame and borders. However, the intricacies of the situation often surpass our initial impressions. A building not only defines an exterior space but also an interior, and what we perceive as ornamental or marginal to a particular painting may hold significant importance in its representation.

In this captivating volume, a fundamental question is posed: rather than imposing dichotomous divisions between inside and outside, or exterior and interior, what other relationships can we envision? Inside/Outside Islamic Art and Architecture stands as the first book of its kind to delve into this thought-provoking inquiry. Spanning a wide range of mediums and topics, including painted manuscripts, objects, architectural decoration, architecture and urban planning, and photography, this original work brings together scholars with diverse methodologies, whose expertise spans geographical regions from India to Spain, Nigeria, and across a temporal spectrum from the thirteenth to the twenty-first century.

What sets this book apart is its ability to foster engaging discussions about the boundaries of the field. By exploring the intersections between various artistic and architectural practices, Inside/Outside Islamic Art and Architecture offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of cultural expression. It challenges us to reconsider our assumptions and expand our understanding of the ways in which art and architecture shape and reflect our world.

Through its comprehensive analysis and thoughtful insights, this book provides valuable contributions to the study of Islamic art and architecture. It sheds light on the rich tapestry of artistic traditions and architectural styles that have evolved within the Islamic world, highlighting the diverse influences and interactions that have shaped these artistic expressions. It also raises important questions about the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of Islamic art and architecture, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts to preserve and promote these invaluable cultural heritage assets.

In conclusion, Inside/Outside Islamic Art and Architecture is a groundbreaking work that invites us to reimagine the boundaries between inside and outside, and to explore the rich relationships that exist between art and architecture. By delving into the complexities of cultural expression, this book offers valuable insights into the world of Islamic art and architecture, and serves as a catalyst for further exploration and understanding.

Weight: 816g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501341854