SDMA Exhibition Explores Islamic Art and Science Through 13th-Century Lens

From September 7, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) will host 'Wonders of Creation: Art, Science, and Innovation in the Islamic World.' Curated by Ladan Akbarnia, this exhibition showcases more than 200 pieces, ranging from the 8th century to the present, featuring manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, astrolabes, and modern works by artists Ala Ebtekar and Hayv Kahraman. The exhibition is inspired by Zakariyya ibn Muhammad al-Qazwini's 13th-century work, 'The Wonders of Creation and the Rarities of Existence,' highlighting the blend of science and artistry. Significant loans are provided by the al-Sabah Collection, Dar Al-Athar al-Islamiyyah in Kuwait, and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM), marking their first display in the US. This event is part of Getty's PST Art: Art & Science Collide initiative and will also feature a catalog, symposium, and public programs before traveling to the McMullen Museum of Art at Boston College.