One of the World’s Largest Collections of Islamic Art Comes to LACMA

Sandra Miska

Los Angelenos no longer have to hope on a plane if they want to experience exotic art, as this month LACMA will be presenting “Islamic Art Now: Contemporary Art of the Middle East.” This exciting exhibition, which will feature works by artists from Iran and the Arab world, is the first major installation of LACMA’s collection of contemporary art of the Middle East.

According to LACMA, Islamic art has expanded its parameters in recent years to include contemporary works by artists from or with roots in the Middle East.  These artists produce works inspired by cultural traditions, as well as imagery and ideas from earlier periods.

The collection of Islamic art at LACMA is not only impressive, but one of the largest in the world.  It includes 1,700 artworks from southern Spain to Central Asia from over a period of 1,400 years.

“The works of art in this exhibition are counterpart to LACMA’s world-renowned historical Islamic art collection and demonstrated the deep connection between past and present,” stated LACMA CEO Michael Govan in an official press release.  “Within the last decade, LACMA has collected major artworks by some of the most influential Middle Eastern and Diaspora artists working today.”

“Islamic Art Now” is part one of a two-part program and features 25 works of art.  Highlights include “Speechless” by female Iranian artist Shirin Neshat, “Technology Kills Reality” by Abdullah Al Saab, and “Chair” by Wafaa Bilal.

For those wishing to learn more about Islamic art, LACMA will be hosting a lecture on the topic by British Museum Curator Dr. Venetia Porter (April 26), as well as the world premiere of “Karima: A Day in the Life of A Henna Girl,” the first feature film from Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj.

“Islamic Art Now: Contemporary Art of the Middle East” opens Feb. 1 and is an ongoing exhibition. Free with general admission.