Karnak 1 (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas
- This sculpture is over five feet tall. It was created by Egyptian-American ceramicist Ibrahim Said. He currently lives and works in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- Said creates intricately carved sculptures and vessels. His work is inspired by ancient Egyptian pottery and traditional Islamic geometric designs.
- This work of art is an example of stoneware pottery. Stoneware is a type of pottery that is fired at a high temperature. The high firing temperature makes the finished piece more durable.
- The title of this work refers to the Karnak Temple Complex near Luxor, Egypt. The complex is commonly known as Karnak.
Learn More
Ibrahim Said is a Greensboro-based ceramic artist. Ceramic artists, or ceramicists, design and create objects from clay. They shape clay objects by hand or using molds, and then fire them in a kiln to harden and finish the pieces. Said is known for his contemporary interpretations of ancient Egyptian pottery. He was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, and comes from a family of potters. As a child he learned the craft of pottery making from his father. Said says his work is inspired by Islamic design and the rich cultural heritage of Egypt.
Karnak 1 is a stoneware sculpture that stands over five feet tall. It is made from nonporous clay, which is thick, durable, and heat resistant. The clay was fired in a kiln at an extremely high temperature so that the finished piece will not absorb water. The intricate designs on this sculpture are based on traditional Islamic geometric designs and principles.
The shapes, imagery, colors, and designs in my work are not just beautiful, they are deeply meaningful to me. Islamic design is not just a style or pattern, it is a connection to the infinite nature of Allah.
Ibrahim Said
This work is part of Said’s Karnak series. He was inspired to create the series after visiting the Karnak Temple Complex near Luxor, Egypt. The Karnak complex includes ancient temples and chapels that feature intricately carved columns and pillars.
I used Islamic motifs and Egyptian and Islamic architecture in my works. And I still combine Islamic motifs with Egyptian and Islamic architecture. Architecture is a powerful resource for me.
Ibrahim Said
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Watch an interview with Ibrahim Said and take a virtual tour of his home studio.
- Watch a video about the complex geometry of traditional Islamic designs.
- Visit a website to explore the Karnak Temple.
- Visit a web page to explore the history and cultural significance of ancient Egyptian pottery.
Resources for Students
- Watch a video of Ibrahim Said creating pottery and describing his artistic process.
- Visit Said’s website to explore more examples of his work.
- Read the artist’s biography.
- Read an interview with Said to learn more about his background and artistic influences.
Images
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Karnak 1