Seattle Art Museum, Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection - Essay Example

Description
Within this outline, there is a square gold pattern, with elaborate corners and mid-line embellishments. This part of the design encloses a dark center area within which dark and light blue patterns are woven, along with four larger, flower-like motifs with bright white outlines and dark brown centers. Two interlocking eight-point stars make up the centerpiece, one in light gold and one in light blue, with a small light blue dot and petal-like surround forming exactly the middle of the tile. All of these figures form concentric shapes around the tiny dot in the middle.

Analysis
There is a very tight design principle at work in this tile. All of the angles and proportions are carefully measured so that the whole piece has a four, eight, and twelve-fold structure.

There is a geometric logic behind the stars, and the four quarters reflect each other bringing great
harmony and unity to the overall design. Within this extreme regularity, there is also considered a low-key variation. The use of fragments of tile within the dark blue and brown color blocks breaks these parts up and gives them a quirky, interesting texture. Against this broken surface, the pure white sections appear startlingly solid and bright and draw the eye to the four central flower motifs and the pinpoint in the middle which is surrounded with a petal-like ring of white. These shapes are not realistic depictions of actual flowers, but more like generic indicators of living forms. Likewise, the geometric features incorporate curves as well as straight lines, giving this piece an intriguing mixture of mathematical and biological connotations. The use of contrast is key to this piece, and this reflects the likely use of this tile on a wall or floor, adjacent to other similar or perhaps identical tiles so that the patterning can extend in ever-growing circles as each tile links to the next.

Response
There is obvious wear on the surface of the tile, but in spite of this, the design appears to me to be timeless. It is reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman pavements, medieval tapestry, Middle Eastern carpets, and modern Paisley patterns all at the same time. This is because of its vibrant color, which is a testament to the technological skill of the designer and manufacturer, and the multiple meanings that are implicit in the linked shapes. I felt I had to work to produce my own meaning to the shapes. I think there is an Islamic message in the tile, relating to the beauty and greatness of Allah, and a holistic appreciation of the material world. The artist does not try to take a picture of the divinity or imitate living things in a representational way, but merely pulls out their essence and represents this as a complex, fractal harmony. I sense peace and tranquility in the tile, because of its regular structures. There is also a vibrance and joy in the sharp contrast of the white against the dark brown. All in all, the tile has a spiritual quality that inspired calm reflection and joy in me.