Although completely different philosophies and approaches to life. The western and the Islamic cultures also share certain similarities between them. The differences though, are far more as compared to the similarities and these are rightly expressed in their respective art forms.

The debate on how many differences present between the two cultures is another topic on its own. Certain differences between the two cultures include the following.

1. The way that the governments and the political outlook of the two cultures operate differs in a very big way. Although many countries are democratic but still, Muslim states use an Islam centric democratic approach to their politics.

2. The issue of gender roles holds a great deal of importance within both the cultures. With many restrictions in the Islamic culture as compared to the western culture.

3. The issue of sexual morality is another huge factor that plays its fair share of difference making ability within an art form. The Islamic cultural approach prohibits any display of skin among the women. Along with that there are various prohibitions on women as opposed to the Western culture which favors and supports the idea of women being involved in everyday matters such as politics etc.

These were the very few differences between the two distinct yet beautiful cultures. There are many more that could have been mentioned but the list would go on and on.

Western Art:

From Gothic art to Mannerism and to the art style of the Renaissance and right back to the art forms of today. Much of the art that we see in the western culture was promptly derived from Christianity, then further evolving into different forms such as the different art styles we see today.

1. Drawing Holy figures:

It is quite evident that most of the art forms using imagery in their form of expression are derived from Christianity. Since, the Christians are supposed to follow the actions of Christ and spend their lives in accordance to those actions, this particular way of following and acting upon the actions of holy figures for Christians translated into their art forms and eventually becoming a staple of expression in further derived arts.

2. Religious Sites:

The churches also boasted a great amount of art through various methods. Those include using art on windows with different colors so that the person who comes to the church would feel like he is at a completely different place. This was done in order to indicate the holiness of a structure.

Other styles which could be considered art were the different ways through architecture the churches were decorated. This included the usage of arches and other ornaments.

3. Absence of Text:

As compared to Islamic art style, the western/Christian art form rarely uses anything other than imagery of figures to express their views and ideas through art. Although modern evolved art uses text and textual analogies to tell a story but it can be argued that modern art is very distinct from Christian and Islamic art itself.

Islamic Art:

As compared to its counter-part, Islamic traditions frown upon on the usage of depictions of holy figures in their art forms. Although, there are some artists who go out of the status quo but the words of the Holy Book of Quran are much more revered.

1. Holy Figures:

Depiction of holy figures and other forms of expressions regarding God, the holy prophet or anyone in particular is not in accordance to the teachings of Islam. It is considered wrong to draw any of the God’s creations in Islam. As opposed to Christianity that encourages the usage of drawings to depict holy figures.

2. Religious Sites (Mosques):

Although Mosques can be decorated to present a nicer image but, as compared to the latter art styles of Churches, Mosques were not decorated in such a heavy manner. In fact most of the uses of art are calligraphy with absolutely no use of pictures. Mosques used arches and domes with the top being colorful or very artsy.

3. Calligraphy:

Since the core of Islam is the Holy book of Quran, these holy words are written as calligraphy inside mosques and are also evident throughout the various paintings and depictions. Also, calligraphy and depictions of Islamic art are used on the rugs that are used for prayer by the Muslims.

Conclusion:

Although there are major differences between the two art forms but there are also some qualities that both of the art forms possess. The emphasis on the holy words of Quran and the emphasis on the imagery of holy figures and God both bring the viewer of the art form from the respective mindset closer to the God.