Current Exhibit

May 8, 2018 – August 19, 2018

Arabesque: Contemporary Conversations

Arabesque interprets traditional Islamic art through the eyes of contemporary artists in a variety of styles and mediums. The exhibit is a combination of works submitted through an open call to artists and a local private collection. The open call asked artists to give a modern interpretation of the ancient style of arabesque art, which traditionally involves interlacing natural elements and geometric lines that are seamlessly repeated.

The inventive, multi-faceted works in the exhibit were submitted by artists from many different countries including Canada, Israel, Iran, Bulgaria, Russian, Puerto Rico, and the USA as well as from the Islamic Artists of Orlando group. The private collection contributing to the exhibit is owned by the local Jhaveri family and originates primarily from Pakistan, featuring miniatures and works by acclaimed artists Babar Gull, Hadia Moiz, and Abrar Ahmed.

“We are thrilled to exhibit these new diverse voices as well as showcase talented professionals from Central Florida,” said Polasek Museum Curator Rachel Frisby. “This is a fresh take on arabesque art from many different perspectives, and we are excited to bring this conversation to our community.”