Artists Inspired by Islamic Traditions

Algerian born Rachid Koraichi has won the prestigious Jameel Prize 2011 for a selection of embroidered cloth banners from "the invisible masters" collection where he uses Arabic calligraphy, symbols and ciphers from a range of other languages and cultures to explore the lives and legacies of the fourteen great mystics of Islam.

Rachid Koraishis said all artists demonstrated high level of skill and any one deserve this prize; winning it by one artist is unjust.

Ten artist and designers were shortlisted from almost two hundred nominations from countries as diverse as the United States, Spain, Nigeria, Egypt and Pakistan all competing for the £25,000 prize award.
The output of the finalist is very varied, reflecting the richness and diversity of the Islamic traditions that inspired them.

Mr Tim Stanley the V&A museum curator sees this art exhibition as a way of educating public that come the museum as they do not necessary know a lot about Islamic art or the contemporary response to it adding: it is our job to educate as many people as we can about that if they want to learn.


The whole collection of the ten finalist for the Jameel Prize 2011 that is being exhibited at the V &A museum in London till 25th of September will embark on an international tour, beginning at the institut du monde Arab in Paris this coming winter and other capital cities including the Arab world as part of the jameel foundation commitment to furthering and promoting opportunities for artists and raise awareness about the relationship between Islamic traditions of art as part of a wider debate about Islamic culture and its role today.