Recreating Islamic Geometric Patterns With Samira Mian

Islamic geometric patterns represent an art form that embodies centuries of cultural heritage and mathematical precision. For over a millennium, these patterns have been a cornerstone of Islamic art, gracing the architecture of mosques, palaces, and manuscripts. Rooted in mathematical principles, the creation of these intricate designs often involves the use of a compass and straightedge to evoke a sense of harmony and balance. 

Samira Mian is a contemporary artist and educator who draws on this rich tradition, introducing it to new audiences by blending the past with the present through her use of bright, modern colours. With a background in both mathematics and art, Mian possesses a unique skill set that allows her to delve deeply into the technical aspects of this art form while bringing a creative and personal touch to her work. I first encountered her work several years ago through her YouTube channel and meeting her in person and learning from her directly at the recent Maths Scholar’s Event in Birmingham was a delight. 

Samira Mian has dedicated her career to exploring, creating, and teaching Islamic geometric patterns. Her enthusiasm and passion for this art form are immediately apparent and highly contagious. Creating these patterns requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of geometry. It is a hands-on, experiential process that can become meditative with practice. Moreover, it is one of the most creative and beautiful applications of the mathematics taught in schools, linking to topics such as circles, congruency and similarity, constructions, properties of shapes, and symmetry. 

In addition to creating her own artworks, Mian is also a dedicated teacher. She conducts workshops and online courses, where she shares her knowledge and techniques with students from around the world. Through these educational initiatives, Mian is helping to preserve this ancient art form and inspire a new generation of artists. 

During the event, one of Mian’s workshops was run for us. We used geometric principles to create a foundational grid layer by layer, then utilized these grids to create beautiful patterns. While organising sessions such as these can be tricky in a classroom setting, such work can help demystify mathematics, making it more accessible and relevant, and remind students that mathematics is a shared human endeavour, deeply rooted in our collective cultural heritage. 

At a time when many students view mathematics as a potentially dull collection of abstract concepts and formulas, introducing colour and beauty into the classroom is invaluable. Incorporating cultural perspectives in mathematics education fosters a more inclusive and diverse learning environment. Students can see themselves reflected in the stories of mathematicians from varied backgrounds, which can be particularly inspiring for those from underrepresented groups. 

In essence, Samira Mian’s work exemplifies the profound impact of merging art and mathematics. By reviving and modernising Islamic geometric patterns, she not only preserves a rich cultural tradition but also enhances the educational landscape. Her efforts remind us that mathematics is not just about numbers and equations, but about beauty, culture, and the shared human experience, something that we should all strive to emulate as mathematical educators. 

By Bella Mills

 

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