Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award: A Confluence of Islamic Art, Language, and Spirit
Designed by -scope ateliers, this bilingual publication, opening from two sides in English and Arabic, offers an elegant and contemplative experience that mirrors the spiritual and aesthetic dualities explored in the exhibition As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award. At the center of the book, where both languages meet, lies a curated selection of artworks presented in the exhibition, creating a symbolic and physical convergence of perspectives. The design draws inspiration from the theme of Al Noor (Divine Light), subtly guiding the reader through a visual journey echoing the exhibition’s meditative progression.
Richly illustrated and thoughtfully edited, the catalogue brings together twenty years of the UAE Ministry of Culture’s Al Burda Award—an initiative that celebrates Islamic artistic expression in its many contemporary forms. Essays and artworks reflect on Qur’anic verses, classical poetry, and the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Farewell Sermon, inviting readers into a dialogue between tradition and innovation. Published in collaboration with the Aga Khan Museum and Kaph Books under the inaugural Al Burda Grant program, the book features contributions by leading voices in the field and stands as both a tribute and a vital reference for the evolving legacy of Islamic art.
