The Representations of Heritage Architecture in Contemporary Arab Ceramics

Abstract

   The research aims to reveal the representations of heritage architecture in contemporary Arab ceramics, and how the vocabulary of Arab heritage architecture was employed as a rich source of aesthetic values ​​that express identity, belonging, and authenticity, and which has aesthetic value. From this stemmed the research problem, which is how Arab ceramicists employed the representations of heritage architecture in their ceramic works?

The second chapter, the theoretical framework, consists of four sections: 1- The concept of representations; 2- The vocabulary of Eastern Arab architecture; 3- The vocabulary of traditional architecture in contemporary Arab visual art; and 4- Contemporary Arab ceramics. The researcher arrived at the indicators of the theoretical framework, including: 1- Representations refer to the creation of new images, symbols, and forms inspired by real and authentic images and forms, which are reformulated to resemble or be identical to them. 2- Representation in the visual arts is a cultural and heritage phenomenon in which the artist reconstructs a new subject by invoking its counterparts.

Chapter Three: Research Procedures. Research Methodology: The descriptive-analytical method was adopted to examine the representations of traditional architectural motifs in contemporary Arab ceramics. Research Population: Samples of completed ceramic works from 1988 to 2015 were selected intentionally.

In the fourth chapter, the researcher reached the following conclusions: 1- The forms of architectural motifs appeared in all models, which each Arab potter expressed in different forms using mural techniques and represented in ways and techniques such as pottery sculpture. The architectural motifs were expressed on the body of the pottery using the method of three-dimensional carving on the vessel.

2- Most potters embodied the forms of wooden doors and windows as a traditional architectural element similar to mashrabiyas and shanashil in ceramic works. Therefore, we conclude from the research that most Arab potters were inspired by traditional architectural elements in ceramic works, whether in murals, pottery sculpture, or pottery. The researcher concluded with recommendations and suggestions and with a list of sources and references.