Thea Porter (1927–2000) came to epitomize bohemian chic in the 1960s and ’70s, using an eclectic mix of luxurious fabrics for her signature fl owing dresses that became favorites of stylish women everywhere. Faye Dunaway, Joan Collins, Barbra Streisand, and Elizabeth Taylor were fans; Vogue ’s Diana Vreeland championed her clothes; and today vintage Thea Porter is worn by Kate Moss, Nicole Richie, and other fashionistas. This first book devoted to the UK-based fashion designer features new photography of her fabulous clothes and jewelry as well as press clippings, sketches, and excerpts from an unpublished memoir she wrote about her aesthetics, philosophies, and work.
This unique volume showcases nearly 250 contemporary artworks from Mohammed Afkhami's esteemed collection of Iranian art, alongside medieval and early modern Islamic pieces. "Honar" explores themes of exile, ideology, and personal independence, highlighting the diverse expressions within contemporary Iranian art.
Reflections: Contemporary Art of the Middle East and North Africa' brings together an extraordinary collection of work from the British Museum for the first time. The contemporary art of the Middle East and North Africa is rich and vibrant. Whether living in their countries of birth or in diaspora, the featured artists are part of the globalised world of art. Here we see artists responding to and making work about their present, histories, traditions and cultures, reflecting on a part of the world that has experienced extraordinary change in living memory.00The British Museum has been acquiring the work of Middle Eastern and North African artists since the 1980s, and the collection ? principally works on paper ? is one of the most extensive in the public sphere. Collected within the context of a museum of history, the works offer insights into the nature of civil societies, the complex politics of the region, and cultural traditions in their broadest sense, from the relationship with Islamic art, to the deep engagement with literature.00The introduction to the book by curator Venetia Porter explores the history of the collection and the works included. The essential framework for understanding the politics and context within which the artists are working is provided by Charles Tripp?s essay. The works are grouped into seven chapters, each beginning with a short introduction. The authors explore the selection within themes such as faith, abstraction and the female gaze
Introduces the complex and multilayered topic of Sufism, or Islamic mysticism,
by focusing on its expression in the visual arts and offers insights into the
integrative and fluid nature of the Sufi experience that has solicited strong
reactions - both negative and positive - in Muslims and non-Muslims alike for
several hundred years.
This lavishly illustrated history explores the Islamic world, through superb
art objects and cultural artifacts dating from the seventh century to the
present.
In the hands of artists and poets, books have been taking a radically different form since the advent of the artist's book in Paris in the early 20th century. Appearing in a variety of shapes and sizes, as one-offs or small print editions, books offer artists and poets a novel form of expression. In the words of Indian artist Nalini Malani (b. 1946), the book is 'a carrier of experience', in which whole worlds are encapsulated. In this beautifully produced book, works made by artists from New York to Damascus and beyond highlight the relationship between artists and writers and the influences that inform their work, from family to politics and everything in between. Lebanese artist Abed Al Kadiri (b. 1984) conceived his book during the first month of the pandemic to explore his family history, while through the eyes of Iraqi artist Kareem Risan (b. 1960) we see the shocking aftermath of a deadly explosion on the streets of Baghdad in 2005. These artists also find inspiration in classical poetry and literature. Here you will see works that respond to and that are informed by the medieval Persian poetry of Jalal al-Din Rumi and Hafez, as well as the tales of The Arabian Nights.
Exploring the rich history of ceramic tile production in the Islamic world, this book spans from the ninth century in Iraq to the nineteenth century in Turkey. It features stunning color photographs alongside informative text, highlighting the artistic significance and craftsmanship of these tiles. Curated by Venetia Porter, a specialist from the British Museum, this work serves as a valuable resource for art enthusiasts and historians alike.
