Constructing Islamic Pattern

Immerse yourself in the intricate world of Islamic geometric design, uncovering its historical significance, cultural impact, and contemporary interpretations. Our distinguished panelist of artists will share their unique perspectives, innovative techniques, and sources of inspiration, offering an in-depth exploration of the art of Islamic pattern-making and methods of construction. Discover how traditional techniques are being reimagined in contemporary, innovative ways.

If you cannot attend live don't worry! All ticket holders will recieve a recording to the session.

Artists on the panel include:

A.J. Bartoletti

Anthony Joseph Bartoletti is a young artist who specializes in analog geometric art. He began his artistic journey shortly before the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, using this creative outlit as a form of self-therapy and meditation during isolation. His work combines strict Euclidean geometry, old-school and modern perspective drawing principles, and analytical pattern and design concepts. A.J. meticulously hand-draws each piece on a drafting table with basic tools like squares, straight edges, and a humble compass. His art showcases a seamless blend of two- and three-dimensional space, revealing coherence and structure within the chaos. Based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, A.J. balances his art with family and music, serving as a guitar instructor and finding deep fulfillment in both teaching and creating.

Ola Alanqar

Ola Alanqar is a Palestinian-Canadian interdisciplinary artist, designer, and obtained her Masters of Arts degree in Art History from the University of Toronto. As a mother of four, Ola understands how important it is for families to connect with their roots and develop a strong identity in today’s fast-changing world. Inspired by Arabic Calligraphy, Sacred Geometry, indigenous arts, and traditional methods of art making, Ola enjoys creating art pieces that aim to manifest the beauty of Islamic arts. Each painting comes as a celebration of a unique story that takes the audience back to the interconnection of the rich history and culture of the Islamic civilization, anchoring the heart and mind.

Ola enjoys using a wide array of mediums, including hand-made watercolours, inks, and shell-gold and finds joy in preparing papers using traditional natural methods. She continuously looks for innovative ways to widen her perspective in her artistic journey. She is working towards her “Ijaza,” or license in Arabic Calligraphy, according to the traditional Ottoman School.