Introduction to Islamic Illumination
with Ayse Tunc
Saturday March 29, 10 AM - 3 PM
at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
310 W Master St Philadelphia, PA
Discover the beauty of Islamic Illumination, also known as Tazhib, in this introductory workshop. Learn the basic principles and techniques of this magnificent art form and create your own simple design.
Tazhib is a traditional art form characterized by intricate patterns and motifs, often featuring floral and geometric designs. Originating from Persian/Turkish and Islamic artistic traditions, it is typically used to adorn manuscripts, religious texts, and architectural elements. Tazhib is distinguished by its meticulous craftsmanship, vibrant colors made from natural materials, and delicate gold embellishments, symbolizing both spiritual depth and artistic refinement.
By the end of this workshop, you will:
Understand the basic principles of Islamic Illumination art
Learn to create simple geometric patterns and floral motifs
Gain hands-on experience with traditional tools and materials
Take home your own simple Illumination design
This workshop is suitable for:
Complete beginners
Those who tried Illumination before and want to gain more in-depth understanding
Those interested in Islamic art and culture
Anyone looking for a fun and creative introduction to Islamic Illumination
Cost: $50 per participant. All levels are welcome!
Materials required
Golden Maple Miniature Paint Brushes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL5RZ734?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ct_0NA50FVQ81F78EJQ6DKD&language=en_US
Round Paint Palette Tray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3HC9H5G?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ct_JGVQ4WDHFZ4V065R59XF&language=en_US
Winsor & Newton Half Pan https://a.co/d/51XFJud
Nicpro Mechanical Pencil Set https://a.co/d/3PzsVut
Faber-Castell Eraser https://a.co/d/9BvWLUh
About the Artist:
Ayşe Tunc is a Turkish artist specializing in Tazhib (Islamic illumination), Persian/Ottoman miniature, and Islamic tile art. Born in Sivas, Turkey, she spent over a decade in Konya, a city renowned for its rich Islamic heritage, which profoundly influenced her artistic development. She earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees in Traditional Turkish Arts from Seljuk University's Faculty of Fine Arts in Konya, with a specialization in Tazhib and miniature. She later taught courses at the same university in Pattern Design for Tazhib and Tile Design. She received her traditional Tazhib ijazah in 2014.
In 2018, Ayşe relocated to Philadelphia, USA, where she continues to practice her art, deeply rooted in traditional techniques such as classical Tazhib, Halkâr (delicate shading), and Çift Tahrir (double outlining). Her work is characterized by the use of organic materials, such as handmade papers, natural pigments, and gold leaf, and reflects the intricate beauty of geometric and floral motifs inherent in Islamic art.
She creates artworks in various mediums, including paper, ceramics, and textiles. Her works have been showcased in numerous exhibitions, and she has presented her scholarly work at symposia. Her art has been featured on book covers, TV series, and she has completed several commissioned pieces, offering a refined perspective on classical Islamic art forms. Ayşe is a mother of two daughters. She draws inspiration from both her cultural heritage and personal experiences.