Artistic representation in contemporary Kuwaiti, Egyptian, and Iranian paintings and prints, and interpretations of these works according to Islamic law

The Quran (the Sacred Book of Islam) prohibits the making of idols, yet varying degrees of image-making may be observed in the Islamic world. This research explores the variations in contemporary artistic representation in Kuwait, Egypt, and Iran. The hypothesis was that artistic variations found in these countries could be accounted for by different interpretations of the Quran's prohibition of idols.Field research was conducted with four well-known artists from each nation chosen. Each work was analyzed to identify the characteristic artistic features, to determine the influence of religion on that work, and to place it in its tradition.In Kuwait, the aesthetic features were found to derive solely from Islamic art tradition and culture. Figures in two-dimensions were allowed (except nudes) in private exhibitions and galleries, but were not found in public. All three-dimensional figures were strictly prohibited.Egyptian artists incorporated subjects from national secular traditions and from Islamic art traditions. Two-dimensional works were restricted--nudes were not displayed in public and were not allowed in three-dimensions.Contemporary art in Iran followed a similar pattern. Two- and three-dimensional figures were displayed in public but the same restrictions applied to the use of the nude figures as in Egypt. For Iran and Egypt two- and three-dimensional themes were on view in public, while Kuwait was more restrictive with regard to two- and three-dimensional images.Two 'Ulama' (clerics) from each country were interviewed to clarify how Islam views art expression. A comparison of the 'Ulama's' differing interpretations tended to support the hypothesis that variations were influenced by interpretations of religious law, even though similar styles were practiced in Kuwait, Egypt and Iran.All the 'Ulama' interviewed were opposed to representational art in three-dimension. They disagreed, however, regarding two-dimensional figures. The disagreement was on the degree to which each 'Ulama' considered portrayals of the human form to be depictions of God. Such depictions are prohibited, yet incomplete human forms rendered in realistic style were acceptable. Although there is one Islamic law, the application of the doctrine differs from country to country because of the uniqueness of their culture, heritage and religious interpretation.