Art as Devotion: A Talk and Musical Performance
June 30 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Free
Ney Recital & Talk | Public Programme | Portrait of a Sacred Beauty Exhibition
Art as Devotion: Expressing Love for the Prophet through Traditional Islamic Arts
As part of Portrait of a Sacred Beauty, the special exhibition organised by the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) according to the Hijri calendar, visitors are invited to attend a public programme exploring the spiritual and artistic dimensions of traditional Islamic arts.
Taking place on 30 June 2026, the event will bring together music, conversation, and audience engagement, offering a deeper understanding of the themes that inspire the exhibition. Through artistic practice and personal reflection, participants will explore how devotion, beauty, and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad have been expressed across generations of Islamic artistic traditions.
The programme will begin with a Ney Recital by Eray Cinpir (25–30 minutes). As one of the most evocative instruments in the Islamic musical tradition, the ney has long been associated with spiritual contemplation and inner reflection. The recital will create an atmosphere of serenity and provide a fitting introduction to the exhibition’s themes of sacred beauty and devotion.
Following the performance, visitors will be invited to join an Artist Talk entitled “Art as Devotion: Expressing Love for the Prophet through Traditional Islamic Arts” featuring exhibiting artists Shazain Baig and Dilara Karaağaç with curator Nagihan Seymour (30–40 minutes). Drawing on their artistic practices and personal experiences, they will discuss how traditional Islamic arts continue to serve as powerful vehicles for spiritual expression in contemporary contexts. The conversation will explore themes of inspiration, symbolism, craftsmanship, and the enduring role of art in conveying love and respect for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The programme will conclude with an Audience Q&A Session (10–15 minutes), offering visitors the opportunity to engage directly with the artists, ask questions about their work, and reflect on the ideas presented throughout the discussion.
By bringing together music, visual arts, and dialogue, this special event aims to enrich the exhibition experience and foster a greater appreciation of the cultural, spiritual, and artistic heritage that continues to inspire Islamic art today.
📩 Questions? Email:londra@yee.org.tr
