Judaism & Islam

Arabic society had scientists, philosophers, and mathematicians, which were extremely important to form a scientifically and culturally rich environment for the time. This society helped translate many texts that could be read in other languages such as Latin and Hebrew. Christians, Jews, and Arabs worked together in search of science and literature. The three cultures lived in tolerance and peace within Spain for centuries.

Their scientific and mathematic understandings and findings were what even paved the way for modern astronomy.

Western Arabic numerals are what originated the way we write our numerals today.

Geometric designs were a large part of their architecture and design. The geometric and botanical forms gave Islamic artists a way to depict art in a scientific way, using compass and rulers to design patterns that could be duplicated an infinite number of times. Although botanical forms were popular, Muslims tended to avoid human-like deities and animalistic forms.

There are three principal vehicles for artist expression in the Islamic world:

1)architecture

2)The arts of the book (calligraphy, illustration, illumination, and bookbinding); and

3)The arts of the object (ceramics, metalwork, glass, woodwork, textiles, and ivory).

Islamic art is very vibrant and distinctive, with its artistic expression being portrayed through bright hues and complex geometric patterns. Islamic art includes all Muslim art, not just religious art. Islamic art differs from most other art forms because it seeks to depict the

essence of things rather than their physical form. In fact, it is sinful to depict Allah or any other human-like or creature forms.

Painting and sculpting were not seen as the noblest forms of art, but instead, calligraphy, writing, and geometry were considered the highest forms of art. Since science and math were rooted in Islamic culture, mathematics was used to create complex geometric patterns to turn math and science into art.

For Judaism, gray colors tended to be a trend, owing to a sense of humble beginnings. Johnathan Fong’s article “Interior Design: giving in to the dark side" discusses how gray can be a great way to make a bold and expansive space. The concept that using whites making the room bigger can be false. A dark room gives depth. It also creates drama in your home, and you can always pair gray with pops of color or lighter shades of grayscale.

“Not being beautiful was the true blessing. Not being beautiful forced me to develop my inner resources. The pretty girl has a handicap to overcome.” Golda Meir “Not being beautiful was the true blessing. Not being beautiful forced me to develop my inner resources. The pretty girl has a handicap to overcome.” Golda Meir