Islamic Geometric Pattern: Practice and Meaning



Islamic traditional geometric art served as a powerful tool in contemplating the harmonic qualities of the natural world. 

Springing from advances in mathematics, philosophy and astronomy during the early Islamic period through the Golden Age (8th-15th centuries), geometric art embodied symmetry, balance and infinite repetition.  

 In this course you are invited to explore the symbolism of Islamic Geometric Pattern and try your hands at the meditative practice of its construction using only pencils, a ruler and a drawing compass. Guided step by step, each week you will construct a pattern in a slow, focused way, allowing rhythm and clarity to emerge through the process.  

The historical context, symbolism and connection to number will be woven throughout the practice.  


Course Overview

This course will be delivered live via Zoom. Students are encouraged to attend live with their cameras on so as to engage with the tutor and class fully. Sessions will be recorded and students will be able to access the recording for one month after the session. All classes are held at London time.

  

Week 1 | Wednesday 25 March | 6-8pm

Walking the Compass: The point, circle, and and the seed of Life 

  

Week 2 | Wednesday 01 April | 6-8pm

Six Fold Rosette: The Hexagon, unit and whole 

  

Week 3 | Wednesday 08 April | 6-8pm

Repetition and Emergence: Patterns from Alhambra  

  

Week 4 | Wednesday 15 April | 6-8pm

Fair and Square: The square, order and stability  

  

Week 5 | Wednesday 22 April | 6-8pm

Eight-Fold Rosette: The Seal (Khatam) of Solomon 

  

Week 6 | Wednesday 29 April | 6-8pm

Twelve-Fold: The simple marriage of Triangles & Squares 


By the end of each class you will have an almost completed design and an understanding of the geometric principles behind it. 

By the end of the course participants will have engaged with patterns from different geometric families, gaining both technical knowledge and a growing sense of the meaning that sacred geometric art can evoke. 

This is suitable for all levels of ability.  

Materials required: A3 paper, sharp pencils, drawing compass, ruler, and fine eraser. (Colour pencils are great but optional)   


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Meet Your Tutor

Haifa Khawaja is an artist and teacher with a background in architecture. She has been teaching Art & Geometry since she completed her MA in Traditional Arts from Kings Foundation in 2002. Her work has been displayed in various exhibitions, and she is the author of Altair Design Islamic Patterns and Crystal Cave. She is currently working on a new Geometric Art activity book and resources. Haifa is particularly interested in the study of geometry in nature with a focus on the contemplative aspects of harmony and proportion    

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