The premier form of Islamic Art is calligraphy, which is derived from the French word calligraphie and Greek word kalligraphia, meaning “beautiful handwriting.” One of the main reasons that the calligraphy is given a pedestal status in Islam is the Muslim belief that Allah (SWT) used the Arabic language to narrate his divine message to the Prophet Muhammad in the form of Holy Quran. This makes it sacred for Muslims all over the world. The prohibition of picture images spurred Calligraphy in the Muslim world to new heights. It is used to enhance the aesthetic senses in architecture, decorative arts, coins, jewelry, textiles, weapons, tools, paintings, and manuscripts. Thus Calligraphy has been embedded in each and every aspect of the Islamic society.

Islamic art in the form of Calligraphy is most commonly found in mosques. The walls and ceilings of mosques are decorated with calligraphically written ayah. These inscriptions are done in a very complex and intricate way. This form further branched out according to the spread of Islam through the Arab World, Persia, the Ottoman Empire, The Indian Subcontinent and wherever else Islam reached. Throughout these different regions, calligraphy attained a unique flavor according to the symbiosis of native culture with the Islamic culture. Calligraphic Islamic Art has evolved into a very multifaceted form of expression. The different forms of calligraphy include Diwani script, Ruqah script and Sini script. Diwani script was invented by Housam Roumini during the Ottoman Turks’ early reign. The Ruqah script is considered the easiest form of script. The Sini script originated in China and has noticeable components of the Chinese calligraphy.

There are two major art museums that the modern art enthusiast must visit. One is the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, New York. The other is located in Paris, France called Musee d’Orsay, which translates to the Museum of Orsay. These two museums feature abstract art in its best form. Abstract painting is a form that can be difficult to appreciate, but for those who love it, these museums are must-sees.

Located in the heart of the city that never sleeps, the Museum of Modern Art, the MOMA, is praised all over the globe for its incredible collection of modern art. The museum has everything from projects made simply out of cardboard and a little bit or metal to the first set of moving pictures. Just recently, the MOMA had an exhibit titled “Paper: Pressed, Stained, Slashed and Folded” where the artist illustrated the different ways in which paper can be manipulated. The MOMA even shows films throughout the year. MOMA also has a part of the museum dedicated to modern photography. This famous museum also has a film component to it. Currently, MOMA is featuring a film called “Nollywood Babylon” which is a documentary about film in the African nation of Nigeria.

Musee d’Orsay, is located in Paris, France along the Seine River. This museum is home to all of the different forms of contemporary art like sculptures, painting, books and film. The museum also features different kinds of contemporary art such as furniture. Interestingly enough, the museum was originally built out of a railway station. Not only does the museum feature contemporary art, but also work from the mid 1800s until the mid 1900s. It has incredible collections of photographs and architectural drawings. The museum has one of the best collections of impressionist art, a form of contemporary art, in the world. Probably one of the most interesting things about the museum is it features an exhibit of how the museum was originally designed.

These two museums are perfect for those wanting to find incredible collections of contemporary art. Each is located in a beautiful spot of their respective cities, which makes them even more incredible. These museums also feature different types of exhibits than regular art museums such as, film, photography, and architecture. Even, if you are not a connoisseur of contemporary art, these museums are sure to have something for everyone. Next time you are in New York City or Paris, you should certainly consider taking a walk through these museums.