2012 is shaping up to be a big year for Islamic art

This year, several major exhibitions and new galleries are focusing on Islamic art.

The biggest news comes from Paris, where the Louvre is building a new wing dedicated to Islamic art. This is the biggest expansion to the museum since the famous glass pyramid. The new wing will have room to display more than 2500 artifacts from the Louvre’s permanent collection as well as notable loans. It will open at an as-yet undetermined date this summer.

In London, the British Museum is hosting two Islamic-related exhibits–one on the Hajj and one on Arabian horses. In Provo, Utah, the Brigham Young University Museum of Art is running Beauty and Belief: Crossing Bridges with the Arts of Islamic Culture. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston opened two new galleries last December that include displays of Islamic art from Asia, and the Met in New York City also opened a new gallery late last year dedicated to the Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Later South Asia.

Islamic art is also facing some challenges this year. Looting and selling national treasures on the international art market always happens in times of political unrest. It happened in Iraq and Afghanistan and now it’s happening in Libya, where the death of Qaddafi did little to stabilize the situation. Syria is another country to watch. Sadly, unscrupulous “collectors” take advantage of civil wars and poverty to grab historic treasures for cheap.

Photo of eleventh century crystal ewer with birds in the Louvre collection courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Swim Wear for Muslim Women and More

Reading the magazines of people you visit is a great way to learn new things. The last time I did this I was at my son’s friend’s grandparents’ house for a birthday party and found out about the Life Straw. Recently, while on a trip to visit some friends in Seattle, I read about new swimsuits designed for Muslim women. According to the Time magazine article (July 30) by Lisa Fitzpatrick, the Burqinis (cross between burqa and a bikini) are stretchy, lightweight, UV resistant and follow the edicts of Islamic law. They go from wrist to ankle and cover the head. Think scuba gear, but more roomy.

As it turns out, more women are interested in them than just Muslims. Burn victims, people with sensitive skin, women who want to avoid skin cancer, people who aren’t comfortable beaching it with traditional swimsuits etc, are buying them. There are customers worldwide. The two Muslim women who designed them are pleased with their success. Here’s another story about this beach wear that allows for summer fun for everyone who wants and needs it.