An Introduction to Abstract Art: Ilham Badreddine Mahfouz's Interpretation

What you see, may not be what I see in a piece of art, especially an abstract art. These pieces of art is usually left for interpretation of the viewer. "Interpretation of art differs from person to person," artist Ilham Badreddine Mahfouz said. "Each person sees a different level of internal subconscious. You can tell if it is to mean tension or easiness." Depending on your background or culture, colors, textures and designs may influence your way of thinking.

"People should look at abstract art so they can appreciate different levels of art," Mahfouz said. Appreciating art allows a person to "think outside the box because you realize there are different ways of viewing abstract art," she said.

According to Mahfouz, "Abstract art is a form of art that deals with colors, textures, lines, geometric shapes and organic shapes. Colors and texture interpret emotions." Abstract art can be viewed in any direction. Mahfouz encourages viewers to look at an art piece in all kinds of directions, focusing on questions such as "What do I like or dislike about this painting?" and why. "Search for answers within yourself," Mahfouz said.

Abstract art was used by Muslims, long ago. One can see forms of abstract art during the 9th Century in Samara, now Iraq, and the 13th Century in Spain. During those centuries, abstract art could be found in homes, architecture and other materials. "The Muslim world flourished with use of calligraphy and use of geometric shapes," Mahfouz said.

"When Matisse and other artists traveled to Morocco and other parts of the Middle East, they were influenced by the Islamic art," she said. Matisse and other artists started to create more abstract art that dealt with shapes and colors. This has led to many other artists such as Kandinsky, Hans Hoffman, Picasso, Paul Klee, Jackson Pollock and Henry More using abstract art.

Today, abstract art is still found in and on many buildings across the Middle East. Mahfouz said that Iran is known to have elaborate architecture decorated in geometric tiles; and on wood panels interiors of homes found in Damascus, Syria.