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Ornamentation

In Islamic art, Ornamentation represents the pinnacle of artistic creativity, where beauty merges with spiritual depth and faith is harmoniously interwoven with visual expression - creating a rare balance unmatched by other Islamic art forms. Far from being a mere decoration, it reflects a profound philosophical vision that sees order, repetition, and abstraction as manifestations of perfection.
Through intricate geometric patterns, harmonious vegetal motifs, and the flowing elegance of Arabic calligraphy, Islamic art crafts a rich ornamental world that unites aesthetic precision with symbolic meaning. Islamic ornamentation thus transcends form to become a symbol of cultural and religious identity, acting as a bridge between artistic craftsmanship and spiritual contemplation, while conveying a timeless visual language which transcends generations.

Categories & Criteria

Classical Ornamentation

Classical ornamentation in Islamic art encompasses floral motifs and geometric motifs. Al Burda Award recognises works that embody these forms, showcasing the aesthetic value of Islamic arts.

  • The work must reflect the Al Burda Award’s theme for this year, namely “Family.. Tranquillity and Compassion.”
  • Due consideration must be given to the use of the materials and methods traditionally employed in authentic ornamentation practices.
  • The work must be executed in the style of authentic traditional ornamentation, while allowing the artist room for creativity in the design.
  • The overall paper size must be either 50 cm x 35 cm or 50 cm x 50 cm.
  • The ornamentation must cover 70% of the total paper area, with due attention to creativity in the design and without leaving empty spaces, the piece stands as a complete and independent ornamental composition in itself.
  • Only authentic materials may be used in the execution of the work, including traditional colours, inks, and real gold. No substitute materials may be used.
  • Participants should take guidance from the style and aesthetic tradition of authentic ornamentation as developed during the Mamluk period (1250–1517 CE).
  • The work must be executed on muqahhar (treated/burnished) paper. The ornamented work may be mounted on cardboard, but it may not be mounted on wood.
  • The artwork must not bear the artist’s signature. Any work containing a signature will be disqualified from judging.
  • A digital image of the artwork must be submitted through the application form on the Award’s website, in accordance with the following specifications:
    • Minimum resolution: 300 DPI
    • Preferred formats: PDF or high-resolution PNG/JPEG
    • File naming: each file must clearly bear the artist’s name and the title of the artwork
  • Submissions from winners of first or second place in any Award category will not be accepted in the edition immediately following the one in which they won. They may apply again starting from the second edition following their win.(For example, a winner in the nineteenth edition is not eligible to apply in the twentieth edition, and may apply again starting from the twenty-first edition.)
  • The original artwork must be sent securely packaged, unframed, and the artist must write the reference number on the back of the artwork.
Prizes
  • 1st Prize: AED 70,000
  • 2nd Prize: AED 50,000
  • 3rd Prize: AED 40,000
  • 4th Prize: AED 30,000
  • 5th Prize: AED 20,000

 

Contemporary Ornamentation

The Contemporary Ornamentation category seeks to highlight the artist’s creativity in developing classical Islamic ornamentation by drawing inspiration from contemporary art and integrating it with vegetal and geometric motifs to produce a new artistic work distinguished by its own unique character and a philosophical vision derived from the Award’s theme.
  • The work must reflect the Al Burda Award’s theme for this year, namely “Family.. Tranquillity and Compassion.”
  • The artist must adhere to the authentic principles of ornamentation and reinterpret them in a modern and creative manner, provided that traditional ornamental elements do not constitute more than 50% of the artwork as a whole.
  • The artist is free to choose the types of pigments, materials, and colours to be used in the work.
  • The work may be executed on muqahhar (treated/burnished) paper, and the ornamentation may be mounted on cardboard, but it may not be mounted on wood. Canvas may also be used as a surface for the work.
  • The overall dimensions of the work must be either 80 cm x 60 cm or 70 cm x 70 cm.
  • The artwork must not bear the artist’s signature. Any work containing a signature will be disqualified from judging.
  • A digital image of the artwork must be submitted through the application form available on the Award’s website, in accordance with the following specifications:
    • Minimum resolution: 300 DPI
    • Preferred formats: PDF or high-resolution PNG/JPEG
    • File naming: each file must clearly bear the artist’s name and the title of the artwork
  • Submissions from winners of first or second place in any Award category will not be accepted in the edition immediately following the one in which they won. They may apply again starting from the second edition following their win. (For example, a winner in the nineteenth edition is not eligible to apply in the twentieth edition, and may apply again starting from the twenty-first edition.)
  • The original artwork must be sent securely packaged, unframed, and the artist must write the reference number on the back of the artwork.
Prizes
  • 1st Prize: AED 70,000
  • 2nd Prize: AED 50,000
  • 3rd Prize: AED 40,000