Tangential Polygons In Traditional Islamic Art: Intersecting Math and Aesthetics

Posted: November 28, 2024

A Guest Lecture by Gillian Turnham, Artist and Instructor in Traditional Islamic Geometric Art

Poster for a guest lecture titled Tangential Polygons in Traditional Islamic Art: Intersecting Math and Aesthetics. The poster features a beige textured background with geometric diagrams, including polygons and circular patterns. Below the diagrams is a section showcasing intricate Islamic geometric art. The text mentions that the lecture will be presented by Gillian Turnham, an artist and instructor in traditional Islamic geometric art. Event details are: Nozhem Theatre (First Peoples Performance Space, ENW 101), Thursday, February 6th, 4 to 6 PM. Logos for Gillian Turnham and Peter Gzowski College (2004–2024) appear at the bottom.

Event Details

Thursday, February 6, 2025
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Nozhem Theatre, ENW 101
Building: Enwayaang
Cost: Free

This lecture will offer listeners an introduction to the history and philosophy of traditional Islamic art. We will delve into the importance of mathematics in Islamic aesthetics, and the connection between mathematical art and the Quranic Revelation. Special attention will be paid to the geometric concept of tangential polygons, and their unique capacity to express the ideological and practical priorities of the Islamic pattern tradition.

ARTIST BIO:

Gillian Turnham graduated from NSCAD University in 2007 as a fine metalsmith, creating miniature sculptural works in metal, wood, and stone. Her work investigated elements of structure and traditional design through architectural miniature. Building on her interest in traditional ornamental design, her attention turned towards tessellating geometric patterns. Since 2019 Turnham's work has explored ever more complex patterns from the Islamic tradition. She has received training and mentorship from some of the world's premiere educators in Islamic geometric design, including pattern analysis and ruler-and-compass construction techniques. Her recent work fuses traditional geometry and illumination techniques with contemporary fine art practice, resulting in watercolour paintings of traditional patterns building from and giving way to their underlying mathematical structures.

Gillian has recently expanded her practice to include teaching and community engagement. In addition to exhibitions, written articles, a radio series, and commissioned works, she is a regular instructor for The King's Foundation School of Traditional Art in London, England, and has developed outreach initiatives to enhance awareness and understanding of traditional arts in the community.

Contact Info

gzowski@trentu.ca