Contemporary Art from the Islamic World

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the following book, edited by Her Royal Highness Princess Wjdan Ali, on the occasion of the convening of the Exhibition on Contemporary Art from the Islamic World. This exhibition is organized by the Royal Society of Fine Arts in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in collaboration with the Islamic Arts Foundation in the United Kingdom. This book focuses on bringing together the cultural differences between the Islamic and Western traditions, which, in my opinion, would develop a pre-eminent understanding, and consequently improve relationships among the people and countries of these two civilizations. Her Royal Highness gives a general explanation of the transition in Islamic countries from the practising of classical Islamic art forms to modern Western art, such as painting on canvas, sculptures, graphics and ceramics. Various prominent art historians have contributed to this book by outlining the artistic background of each participating country in an historical context, by reviewing the development of its contemporary art, by giving a critique of the works of the 207 participating artists, and conclude by evaluating the present art scene. El Hassan Bin Talal Crown Prince of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan