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Passion for Perfection: Islamic Art from the Khalili Collections

Running from December 11 (2010) until April 17 (2011) at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, this exhibition brings together almost five hundred masterpieces from one of the world’s most famous collections of Islamic art: that of Professor Nasser David Khalili.

Prepare to be amazed by the skilled craftsmanship and beauty of thirteen centuries of Islamic art: ornately decorated manuscripts and Qur’ans, paintings, textiles, gold, precious stones, ceramics, glasswork, lacquer and metal work and woodcarvings.

The exhibition illustrates how Islamic art did not originate from just one culture or from a handful of countries, it belongs to many people who for centuries have been connected through Islam: from China and India to Turkey, from Iran and Egypt to Spain.

Here, the definition of Islamic art goes beyond an object made for religious use. While the artistic visual language may be rooted in Islamic philosophy, it is often combined with elements of the local culture. The geographic and cultural diversity of Islamic art is immense.

This Pentimento will introduce you to some of the exhibition highlights. You’ll also get a glimpse behind the scenes with footage of the exhibition being installed to Siebe Tettero’s spectacular design. Including a brief overview of the exhibition concept from Tettero himself.

You can also listen to collector Nasser Khalili himself speak passionately and knowledgably about some of his personal favourites.