Medieval Islamic art has been found to contain geometric principles that were not established by modern mathematics for several centuries. Quasicrystalline geometry has been used in some 15th century examples found by U.S. researchers (I don't know what this quite means) The research shows an important breakthrough had occurred in Islamic mathematics and design by the year 1200. "It's absolutely stunning," Harvard's Peter Lu said in an interview, "They made tilings that reflect mathematics that were so sophisticated that we didn't figure it out until the last 20 or 30 years." Join discussion...

So this surprisingly short article explained the new exhibition of Islamic art and photography in the historic Durbar Court at the FCO. It just went on show and is already receiving great reactions. It includes some of UK's leading Muslim artists. It was also quite a social networking event. It shows how Islamic art is becoming a more prominent emerging art form. Join discussion...

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Qatar is planning to start an educational wing of the museum that includes a library with magazines and books specializing on Islamic art. Also, there will be classes for artists to take specifically on Islamic art. The whole purpose of the educational wing is to 'help visitors explore the past, understand the present and play a role in shaping the future.' The museum wants to help the community learn about their heritage and teach them to appreciate Islamic art. Join discussion...

A 650 square meter warehouse called the Art Hub is expected to be opened next year in the industrial zone of Mussaffah. The organizer of the space, Tini Meyer, wanted to build a work space suitable for artists due to fact that there are no low rent spaces for them to use. The Hub includes 80 square meter private studios with a kitchenette and bathroom. Downstairs there will be a community studio with a cafe and lounge where art teachers can rent for classes. The Art Hub is a place where artists can come, pay a fee, and work. It allows artists who don't have the space to accomodate or create art to make a living. Join discussion...

Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism had a contest for Islamic Art in many different fields. 361 Islamic artists entered the competition. The categories were Islamic calligraphy, Ebru, illumination, miniature, and tile pattern. 116 of the 361 pieces will be on display. The awards ceremony and exhibit were at the Ankara State Painting and Sculpture Museum on September 17, 2009. Join discussion...

The article is about the recent discovery of Islamic art that uses a highly sophisticated type of geometry, quasicrystalline geometry. The patterns and designs are remarkable because they use symmetrical polygonal shapes to create patterns that can continue forever without repeating. Many of the works are dated around the 15th century and quasicrystalline geometry was not understood by modern mathematicians until twenty or thirty years ago. It was thought before that the islamic artist used a straight edge ruler or compass to create designs. Now it can be seen how the artist started out with simpler designs and then moved onto these quasicrystalline geometry designs. Join discussion...

A new museum of Islamic art has been built in Doha, Qatar. About 800 pieces of artwork are on display. The time periods of the artwork range across 13 centuries. This creates a lot of diversity in the medium and style. The museum is different from the average museums because it also includes a garden and separate prayer rooms for men and women. This just goes to show how much of an affect religion has on daily life in this culture. (The article spends much time discussing the layout and interior design of the museum.) Join discussion...

A new book about Islamic art by art historian Nuzhat Kazmi came out. It talks about Islamic art in the Islamic Empire and Islamic countries from the 16th century to today. It compares the level of art during this period to that of the Renaissance. The Islamic empire influenced the art of the area that it controlled, thereby spreading the main ideas of Islamic art. It was also influenced, though, by the art from Europe. Join discussion...

Four world-class museums are set to be built in the United Arab Emirates, and will include both local and international artists. Other museums have also been suggested for surrounding areas such as Dubai and Qatar. The unprecedented effort is expected to cost millions of dollars, but some question the success the museums will have. Trying to place a thriving cultural district in an area that is filled with conflict and still loyal to old traditions doesn't necessarily equal success. Also, how they will find staff was a question raised. However, the countries hope that the museums will bring in tourism money in an area that heavily relies on the profit generated from oil. Join discussion...

The Spain-Morocco center in Madrid, Spain will host a photography exhibit in November. It will feature Islamic art in mosques and other sacred places. It aims to show the influence Islamic art has on the world and to introduce Spanish citizens to Islamic art and encourage them to find out more about it. In addition to the exhibition, there will also be Arabic classes held at the center. Join discussion...