Digital works of Art inspired by Miniatures and Mosaics of Abbasid Artist wasiti

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor, Graphic Design Department, Petra University, Faculty of Architecture and Design

Abstract

Picture drawing as an art peaked in the late Abbasid era in the context of illustrations accompanying Maqamat Al Hariri stories in Bagdad the seat of the Caliphate, and cultural hub of the civilized world of the Middle Ages.
Pictures of the Arab school were characterized by meticulous work, diversity of themes, and craftsmanship that brought fame  ,and recognition to Muslim artists. Through illustrations on various manuscripts, authentic scenes of daily life  of the era in Mesopotamia, the Arab peninsula, and the Levant were brought to life.
The decorations had a realistic, descriptive ,as well as communicative approach that engages viewers, and opens a window for them on life of the times. They mirror a whole civilization, the  rich Arab Islamic culture that remains to this day at the center of human heritage. 
As among all illustrations, Al Wasiti's manuscript remains a masterpiece .It translated Maqamat AlHariri stories  into lively visual scenes and stands as a model of Arab school drawings.
Experts in Islamic Art maintain that the illustrations document facts, display origins of this art, and picture the ins , and outs of social life of Abbasid society.
The current research deals with my individualistic art experience in creating digital works inspired by miniatures ,and mosaics of Yahia Al Wasiti. I aspire to create visual graphic designs to showcase Islamic cultural heritage with a modern twist. Digital works of art inspired by Islamic cultural heritage are a rare find .More rare still would be those inspired by the gifted AL Wasiti, although hand drawn works are quite abundant by prolific plastic artists.
The objectives of my research are,
1- to shed light on Wasiti's manuscript in general, his techniques, themes, and colors.
2- to share my personal experience in creating digital works of art inspired by Wasiti's mosaics.