TULSA, OKLA.- Bringing together both historic and contemporary objects from the deep collection of the Newark Museum—Philbrook Museum of Art’s summer 2019 exhibition showcases the history and breadth of Islamic art.

Featuring more than 150 works from over 1200 years, Wondrous Worlds: Art & Islam through Time & Place reflects aspects of the faith, culture, and everyday lives of Muslims across the world and throughout the ages. This exhibition was organized by the Newark Museum and opened Sunday, June 23, 2019.

The exhibition features works in a wide range of media, including textiles, clothing, furniture, metalwork, paintings, photographs, and calligraphy.

Objects in the exhibition reveal both mastery and depth of materials and also the integration of faith into everyday life. For example, elaborate jewelry and portraits on ivory show how artists incorporated symbols of faith into adornment for the body. Ceramics from China and Iran as well as vibrant textiles from Africa underscore the importance of trade and the history of Islam across the world.

“Philbrook is proud to present the largest show of Islamic art ever shown in Oklahoma,” said Philbrook Director Scott Stulen. “In these divisive times, when our differences often dominate the headlines, this exhibition makes clear that we have far more in common, while providing an invaluable opportunity to bring the community together and create lasting connections.”

The first section of Wondrous Worlds introduces the Five Pillars of Islam—Declaration of Faith, Daily Prayers, Charity, Fasting for Ramadan, and the Hajj Pilgrimage—to provide context and a distinctive view into the function and cultural histories of the objects on display.

“In Wondrous Worlds, we glimpse artistry from places as diverse as Morocco, Turkey, India, China, Burkina Faso, and the United States–locations tied together by the Islamic faith,” said Philbrook Curator Susan Green. “The mastery and exquisite craftsmanship of the objects draws us in, and through these objects, we can discover stories of faith, use, and culture that can help us understand our world today.”
Throughout the run of the exhibition, Philbrook will present a wide variety of programming, partnering with the local community groups for talks, tours, lectures, and more.