Working in the framework of the Louvre project, the Cultural Department of TDIC launched a sequence of lectures this year, called Talking Art Series. The venture has been bringing together eminent academics and museum curators across all disciplines of art history and archeology. Their purpose: to expose the public to the artistic and historical message of the future museum. The diversity of subjects in themselves, ranging from remote antiquity to modern day, have already established a universally rich vision of Louvre Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, the lectures have been presenting relevant works and artefacts from LAD’s ever expanding collection. This also has helped to convey the various narratives that will be encompassed in the new Louvre.
Following a chronological order since its outset in September, the Talking Art series kicked off with Pharaonic Egypt. Lecture-goers, curators and academics on the panel engaged in dialogue which enabled them to consider the funerary art, architecture and rituals of this fascinating age. Since then, the series has grown in popularity, drawing in a diverse audience from all walks of life. Now in its third month, and at a time when Abu Dhabi is enjoying Art Festival season, Talking Art brings us ‘Court Arts and Art de Vivre in Islam.’
The term Islamic Art, does not necessarily connote art of a religious nature. Doubtless, from the Alhambra to Sultan Ahmet mosque, the Muslim peoples have a rich history of breathtaking architectural and artistic feats, which attest to a deep dedication to their faith. Nonetheless these cultures also produced secular and political art. For instance, the arts of royal courts glorified the sovereign as the central figure of power in Islamic lands. And the sumptuous objects monarchs possessed and gave as gifts, demonstrated their wealth and power.
We spoke to Professor of UAE History, Dr Fatima Al Sayegh. She’ll be sharing the panel on Wednesday, with Delphine Miroudot, from l’Ecole du Louvre, and Manon Six, curator at Agence France- Muséums.
The term ‘court art’ immediately brings to mind miniatures, tile-work and lavish objects from the Persian, Ottoman, and Indian courts. But what of court culture in this region?
We can learn about our own history by studying the culture of gift giving between the sheikhs and other power figures in the society, where a crafts industry was actually developed to serve this purpose. This culture of crafts came to this region through Oman, where the courts were more sophisticated due to Oman’s contact and trade with India, Zanzibar and Persia.
So gift-giving was a way of demonstrating status, as well as cementing alliances? What kind of objects were given as gifts?
Sheikhs from this region will usually give swords, daggers or rifles as gifts to others. These were not only symbols of recognition of the power of the gift giver and the receiver, but those gifts had a functional use.
The Persians and Ottomans were not only influenced by the Sassanid and Byzantine empires they overthrew, but in a constant cultural exchange with one another. In comparison, how was the court culture of this more remote region distinct from that of neighbouring Muslim countries?
In this region the sovereign courts or what we would refer to as the sheikh’s majlis, were generally simple in construction and configuration, unlike the neighboring Persian, Indian and Ottoman. While the Sasanian and Byzantine reception rooms were characterized by luxury and extravagance, and known for their luxurious reception rooms, their guarded gates did not allow anyone to enter unless invited. The Arab majlis, on the other hand, were marked with simplicity, which is a reflection of the local desert environment that is free of luxury and lavish decorations. Also they were open to all at any time.
Like an open parliament?
Yes, this is where all sectors of society would meet to discuss issues in an ‘open parliament’ format for the exchange of views, the exchange of poetry and other forms of sharing.
Could you elaborate on Art de Vivre?
The Art de Vivre or Art of Living in Islam can be understood best by looking at historic court life. The arts of royal courts are fascinating and the tales depicted by hunting scenes, decorated ornaments, manuscripts and precious objects give us much to learn about the historic Muslim world.
Court Arts and the Art de Vivre in Islam is at 6.45pm on November 23, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 657 5800). This event is free but requires registration. For more info visit www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae.
