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Writing on the wall
Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 11:05 am
by marjoramblues
If we look on art as a form of communication which deepens our perceptions and insights, then how can calligraphy help individuals to see differently - to know our selves and relationships with others and/or nature ?
Different strokes for different folks ? Japanese aesthetics - Islamic aesthetics - Ancient aesthetics - the list goes on.
According to my current knowledge - Islamic art is non-representational; figurative art is seens as idolatrous.
Calligraphy is a major from of art in this culture and is a means of transmitting the Qur'an, its main resource.
If this is the case, then doesn't it follow that this creates a very narrow field of vision and creativity in Islam. Re-writing, re-reading and perpetuating ancient beliefs might 'deepen' perception (as in a rut) but what about a widening - a way of looking differently at the changing world ?
The art of calligraphy - producing flowing, beautiful script - how can it open us up...?
Or would graffiti do the job just as well...spill the paint...cats paws...be floored...
Re: Writing on the wall
Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 3:33 pm
by chaz wyman
Islamic calligraphy is the yearning of the oppressed soul to express itself creatively in an atmosphere and restricting ideology of repression and inhibition. It stretches its own limits of creativity to reach for the beauty of expression but is weighed down by the pressure of censorship.
Islamic art flirts with the natural as close as it can to defying its own censorship.
It also spews its hatred and contempt upon those cultures who have allowed their creativity to flourish.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhas_of_Bamiyan
Re: Writing on the wall
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:12 am
by marjoramblues
Chaz, thanks for your beautifully expressed thoughts on Islamic calligraphy. I do wonder whether it is a 'yearning of the oppressed soul' - I had thought it more practical. I suppose it depends on the calligrapher and his/her (?) purpose.
Also - perhaps in some way, the very constraints imposed mean that the imagination has to stretch...if the art is to reveal the 'natural' world through symbols alone ?
I find it difficult to imagine a society which denies itself the beauty of the human or other natural forms expressed through art.
The link to the Buddhas dynamited by the Taliban was a fascinating read, thanks. Imagine that after this destruction, 50 caves were revealed, in which wall paintings were discovered - 7th century murals showing Buddhas. Another find - a section of the Sanskrit Sutra spelling out the Buddhist belief that all things are transient !
Art and its destruction give us much to ponder.
I remember watching Jet Li's film 'Hero' where calligraphy is shown as not only an art form but a spiritual practice. A character 'Broken Sword' linked the practice of calligraphy with the art of swordplay. Apparently, he created a new symbol ( 19 already existed ) for the word 'sword' which encompassed the 'heart'.
His insight - 'Tian Xia' - all under heaven - not to kill the king. The ideal warrior having no desire to kill, but to harmonise mind, body and spirit.
Further along the line, if I understand correctly, the Emperor created a unified language and a police state replaced the Warring States period. It could be argued that this 'squashing' - as in Islam - resulted in a restriction of creativity. But creative development cannot simply end...where does it grow ? Underground ? In caves ?
Re: Writing on the wall
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 1:35 pm
by chaz wyman
marjoramblues wrote:Chaz, thanks for your beautifully expressed thoughts on Islamic calligraphy. I do wonder whether it is a 'yearning of the oppressed soul' - I had thought it more practical. I suppose it depends on the calligrapher and his/her (?) purpose.
It just strikes me that it is creativity trying to get out. It seems to flirt with natural forms that are forbidden.
Also - perhaps in some way, the very constraints imposed mean that the imagination has to stretch...if the art is to reveal the 'natural' world through symbols alone ?
I find it difficult to imagine a society which denies itself the beauty of the human or other natural forms expressed through art.
I agree.
The link to the Buddhas dynamited by the Taliban was a fascinating read, thanks. Imagine that after this destruction, 50 caves were revealed, in which wall paintings were discovered - 7th century murals showing Buddhas. Another find - a section of the Sanskrit Sutra spelling out the Buddhist belief that all things are transient !
But what a tragedy to have survived for so long only to be wantonly destroyed by those philistines.
Art and its destruction give us much to ponder.
I remember watching Jet Li's film 'Hero' where calligraphy is shown as not only an art form but a spiritual practice. A character 'Broken Sword' linked the practice of calligraphy with the art of swordplay. Apparently, he created a new symbol ( 19 already existed ) for the word 'sword' which encompassed the 'heart'.
His insight - 'Tian Xia' - all under heaven - not to kill the king. The ideal warrior having no desire to kill, but to harmonise mind, body and spirit.
Further along the line, if I understand correctly, the Emperor created a unified language and a police state replaced the Warring States period. It could be argued that this 'squashing' - as in Islam - resulted in a restriction of creativity. But creative development cannot simply end...where does it grow ? Underground ? In caves ?