18TH ISLAMIC ARTS FESTIVAL IN SHARJAH (DEC 16, 2015 - JAN 16, 2016) Bruce Munro: First Impressions

Islamic Arts Festival launched on December 16, 2015 at the Sharjah Art Museum and was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. See the opening HERE.

The Festival is hosting 43 exhibitions, showing 300 works by 36 artists from 17 countries.This year's theme is 'Light' and aims to show the depth and importance of Islamic Arts by presenting a contemporary interpretation of the concept.

Bruce Munro, best known for procuding large and immersive light-based installations, was inspired by rich Islamic culture that he encountered on his recent trip to Sharjah. His open views allowed him to embrace Islamic geometry as his artistic expression. The installation is based on a mere glimps, "a first impression", as an eclectic mix of symbols, geometry and imagination. Munro explains, "my aim is to evoke an essence of what inspired my mind and spirit when I visited Sharjah. The method I employ to do this is simply the melding of a projected light installation with an audio composition into a seamless installation."

First Impressions, Digital Animation, Projected Light, Flocked Plinth, Audio, 5x7 m, 2015 / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

First Impressions, Digital Animation, Projected Light, Flocked Plinth, Audio, 5x7 m, 2015 / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

First Impressions, Digital Animation, Projected Light, Flocked Plinth, Audio, 5x7 m, 2015 / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

First Impressions, Digital Animation, Projected Light, Flocked Plinth, Audio, 5x7 m, 2015 / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

First Impressions, Digital Animation, Projected Light, Flocked Plinth, Audio, 5x7 m, 2015 / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

First Impressions, Digital Animation, Projected Light, Flocked Plinth, Audio, 5x7 m, 2015 / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

First Impressions, Digital Animation, Projected Light, Flocked Plinth, Audio, 5x7 m, 2015 / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

First Impressions, Digital Animation, Projected Light, Flocked Plinth, Audio, 5x7 m, 2015 / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Bruce Munro studied in Bristol, completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1982. Shortly thereafter he moved to Sydney where he took up employment in design and lighting, inspired by Australia's natural light and landscape. His work has been shown at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Waddesdon Manor, the Rothschild Collection, Buckinghamshire, and the Guggenheim Museum, New York.

The Festival runs until January 16, 2016 at the Sharjah Art Museum.