Illumination Workshop Series with Ayse Tunc
Wednesday, 6–8 PM | Jan 7 - Jan 28
at Al-Bustan (310 W Master St Philadelphia, PA)
Join us for a four-part Illumination Workshop Series led by artist Ayse Tunc. Over the course of four weeks, you’ll discover the beauty of Islamic Illumination, also known as Tazhib. Learn the basic principles and techniques of this magnificent art form, with each session building upon the last.
Tazhib is a traditional art form characterized by intricate patterns and motifs, often featuring floral and geometric designs. Originating from Persian/Turkish and Islamic artistic traditions, it is typically used to adorn manuscripts, religious texts, and architectural elements. Tazhib is distinguished by its meticulous craftsmanship, vibrant colors made from natural materials, and delicate gold embellishments, symbolizing both spiritual depth and artistic refinement.
Cost: $240; The teacher will supply materials for the class at an additional cost of $30 (due the first day of series).
Register through the button below! Questions? Email marketing@albustanseeds.org.
About the instructor:
Ayşe Tunc is a Turkish artist specializing in Tazhib (Islamic illumination), Persian/Ottoman miniature, and Islamic tile art. Born in Sivas, Turkey, she spent over a decade in Konya, a city renowned for its rich Islamic heritage, which profoundly influenced her artistic development. She earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees in Traditional Turkish Arts from Seljuk University's Faculty of Fine Arts in Konya, with a specialization in Tazhib and miniature. She later taught courses at the same university in Pattern Design for Tazhib and Tile Design. She received her traditional Tazhib ijazah in 2014.
In 2018, Ayşe relocated to Philadelphia, USA, where she continues to practice her art, deeply rooted in traditional techniques such as classical Tazhib, Halkâr (delicate shading), and Çift Tahrir (double outlining). Her work is characterized by the use of organic materials, such as handmade papers, natural pigments, and gold leaf, and reflects the intricate beauty of geometric and floral motifs inherent in Islamic art.
She creates artworks in various mediums, including paper, ceramics, and textiles. Her works have been showcased in numerous exhibitions, and she has presented her scholarly work at symposia. Her art has been featured on book covers, TV series, and she has completed several commissioned pieces, offering a refined perspective on classical Islamic art forms. Ayşe is a mother of two daughters. She draws inspiration from both her cultural heritage and personal experiences.