Overview
Overview
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Join Christie's Education for an engaging three-day exploration of Arab and Islamic art, running concurrently with the exhibition Ahmed Mater: Chronicles. This course, set in Christie’s prestigious London galleries, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the historical and contemporary dimensions of Arab and Islamic art through expert-led lectures, discussions, and exclusive tours. The course comes with a Christie's Education certificate of completion.
On the morning of the first day, after an exclusive welcome, participants will journey through the history of collecting Islamic art and explore the influence of Islamic Art on the modern and contemporary art of the Middle East. In the afternoon, a conversation between Dr Ahmed Mater and Dr Ridha Moumni offers a unique perspective on Mater's artistic journey. The day concludes with a curator-led tour of Leighton House, providing a tangible connection to the themes discussed.
On the second day, the focus shifts. Morning sessions illuminate the growth of museums in the Gulf, and reaching new audiences for modern and contemporary Saudi Arabian art. Afternoon activities include a lecture on the Hajj and arts of pilgrimage, followed by an exclusive curator-led tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The day concludes with a group dinner in Soho, fostering community and further discussion among participants.
The final day of the course highlights art and trade in the Ottoman Court, along with a specialist-led tour of Christie's Islamic Art warehouse, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the handling and preservation of these precious works. Participants will then enjoy a private tour of the Ahmed Mater retrospective, tying together contemporary and historical insights. The course concludes with a visit to the British Museum, guided by experts, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
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Schedule
Schedule
Day One – 22 July 2024
Morning Sessions
Lecture: The History of Collecting Islamic Art – Sara Plumbly (Head of Department, Islamic and Indian Art, Christie’s)
Lecture: The Influence of Islamic Art on Middle Eastern Modern & Contemporary Art – Francesca Leoni (Curator of Islamic Art, Ashmolean Museum)
Afternoon Sessions
Discussion: In Conversation – Ahmed Mater & Ridha Moumni (Artist & Chairman, Middle East & Africa, Christie’s)
Visit: Curator-led tour of Leighton House by Daniel Robbins (Curator, Leighton House)
Day Two – 23 July 2024
Morning Sessions
Lecture: The Museums in the Gulf: Development and Choices – Marie-Astrid Martin (Collections Management Consultant, The Royal Commission for AlUla)
Lecture: Edge of Arabia – Stephen Stapleton (Founder, Edge of Arabia)
Afternoon Sessions
Lecture: Hajj and the Arts of Pilgrimage – Qaisra Kahn (Curator, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art)
Visit: Curator-led tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum – Omniya Abdel Barr (Fellow, V&A)
Dining: Group Dinner in Soho
Day Three – 24 July 2024
Morning Sessions
Lecture: Arts and Trade in the Ottoman Court – Tim Stanley (Senior Curator, V&A)
Visit: Tour of Christie's Islamic Art warehouse – Archie Williams (Cataloguer, Islamic and Indian Art, Christie’s)
Afternoon Sessions
Visit: Private tour of Ahmed Mater: Chronicles – Ridha Moumni (Chairman, Middle East & Africa, Christie’s)
Visit: Specialist-led tour of The British Museum – Archie Williams and Barney Bartlett (Cataloguer and Junior Specialist, Islamic and Indian Art, Christie’s)
This itinerary is subject to change.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Understanding Islamic Art History
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the history of Islamic art, from its early development to contemporary expressions, through lectures and discussions with experts.
Analysing Artistic Techniques
Students will learn to identify and analyse key techniques and styles in Islamic art, from calligraphy to architecture, enhancing their visual literacy and appreciation.
Exploring Cultural Significance
The course will provide insights into the cultural and religious significance of Islamic art, including the role of pilgrimage in artistic creation.
Contextualising Modern Influence
Attendees will explore the influence of Islamic art on modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art, understanding how traditional elements have been reinterpreted by contemporary artists.
Engaging with Art Institutions
Through curator-led tours of prominent art institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum, students will develop a practical understanding of how Islamic art is curated, preserved, and presented in major cultural institutions.
Additional Information
Additional Information
For any queries about this course please contact
London Courses Department
+44(0)7774 938591
Email: shortcoursesuk@christies.com
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