Watch Art of Faith: Islam

Art of Faith: Islam is a documentary series that explores Islamic art and architecture, highlighting its significant contribution to human civilization. Hosted by John McCarthy, a renowned British journalist and art historian, the series takes viewers on a journey through the Muslim world, from the earliest Islamic structures in Medina to the towering minarets of modern Saudi Arabia.

The series examines the rich diversity of Islamic art, encompassing calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and the decorative arts. McCarthy leads the audience through a range of important sites, including the Alhambra in Granada, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, and the Taj Mahal in Agra. He also visits lesser-known but equally remarkable examples of Islamic art, such as the Qutub Minar in Delhi and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Uzbekistan.

The program is well-researched, drawing upon interviews with leading experts on Islamic art and architecture, such as Professor Nasser Rabbat and Dr. Stefano Carboni. The series avoids simplistic or sensationalist portrayals of Islam, instead seeking to convey its cultural richness and complexity. The interviewees offer insights into the religious, cultural, and historical contexts of Islamic art, shedding light on the ways in which artistic practices have evolved and been transmitted across generations.

One of the most striking aspects of the series is the emphasis it places on the role of faith in Islamic art. McCarthy observes that Islamic art is fundamentally different from Western art, which often seeks to represent the human form and to capture the individual expression of the artist. In contrast, Islamic art has traditionally been grounded in the principles of tawhid (unity) and tasawwuf (spirituality), which seek to direct the viewer's attention towards the divine. This orientation is reflected in Islamic calligraphy, with its emphasis on the written word as a symbol of God's revelation.

Moreover, the series highlights the ways in which Islamic art has been shaped by its context, reflecting the beliefs, values, and aspirations of the communities that produced it. For example, Islamic art in Spain was heavily influenced by both the Roman and Visigothic traditions, while that of Central Asia reflected the Buddhist and Zoroastrian cultures that preceded the Islamic conquests.

The program is also visually stunning, making effective use of drone footage to capture panoramic views of some of the most awe-inspiring Islamic structures in the world. The series takes advantage of advances in production technology to create immersive 3D reconstructions of lost or damaged structures, such as the Hussainiya in Samarra or the Darb-i Imam shrine in Isfahan. The reconstructions provide a glimpse of the incredible skill and artistry that went into the creation of these buildings, many of which were monumental in scale and complexity.

Overall, Art of Faith: Islam is a comprehensive and engaging survey of Islamic art and architecture. It provides a nuanced and insightful view of Islamic culture, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the art form while also acknowledging the complex social, political, and historical circumstances that have shaped it. The program is well-suited for anyone with an interest in religion, culture, or art, offering a rich and visually stunning portrait of one of the world's most enduring artistic traditions.

Art of Faith: Islam is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes.