About this Item
Number 28 of 50 variant copies of a fascinating and complex new work by this esteemed book artist. Islam is a book artist and lecturer of bookbinding at the German University in Cairo. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Art Education from Helwan University, and later pursued an MFA in Book Arts at the University of Iowa, where he refined his artistic focus. He went on to complete a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Art Education at the University of Iowa. His practice lies at the intersection of culture, technology, and aesthetics. Drawing on historical bookbinding traditions and integrating digital technologies, Islam reimagines the role of the book in contemporary art. His work pushes the boundaries of book art, offering innovative approaches to how history and technology can coexist on the page. islam states: "As a book artist, I am drawn to the unique and versatile nature of the book form. Whether old or new, the book has always captured my imagination and challenged me to explore its physical properties and content in new and innovative ways. Through my work, I use book art to reflect on our contemporary time and explore the intersections between past and present. Books have a rich legacy in approaching social justice issues and giving voice to marginalized groups, and I strive to create books that promote empathy and belonging. He writes about his work: "The traditions and history of bookbinding inspire my artistic practice, and I am constantly exploring new ways to incorporate these techniques into contemporary book forms and ideas. I am passionate about studying the construction, materials, and techniques used in traditional bookbinding. I frequently experiment with laser cutting, waxing, stitching, and paper dyeing to create visually stunning and conceptually complex artworks. Ultimately, my goal as a book artist is to push the boundaries of contemporary book art while remaining true to the rich legacy and traditions of the book form. I am constantly engaged in the process of discovery and learning. I am deeply committed to creating artwork reflecting our collective past while promoting a more just and equitable future." Harf means "letter" in Arabic, highlighting the work's focus on individual letterforms. The piece consists of two compartments. The first compartment contains an artist's book that visually explores Kufic geometric script, one of the oldest and most architecturally structured forms of Arabic calligraphy. Each section of the book presents a single, letter rendered in a geometric Kufic form, celebrating the letter as both a linguistic symbol and a sculptural element. The book is composed of individually folded sections, with each folio featuring a different type of paper, including handmade sheets, decorated surfaces, and handwritten or textured varieties. This variation in material enhances the contrast between the crisp geometry of the letters and the rich tactile and visual qualities of the paper. The variation of paper types adds layers of meaning, emphasizing the uniqueness and rhythm of each letterform. At the same time, it evokes the historical layering of script and ornament found in Islamic manuscripts, drawing from traditional Islamic visual language while reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens. The use of papers reinforces the book's material presence and highlights the elegance and expressive power of Kufic calligraphy as a visual art form. The second compartment contains laser-cut letterforms made of plexiglass, echoing the designs featured in the book. A stand is included, allowing viewers to interact with the letters, displaying them individually or arranging them into visually engaging compositions using the geometric forms. Cloth-covered box with plexiglass components. Coptic-bound book with laser-cut and laser-etched plexiglass covers. Materials include handmade and aged paper, decorated paper, linen thread, book board, and museum board. I.
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