Escher & Islamic Contemporary Culture

The hidden inspiration of M.C. Escher

During two visits to this medieval palace complex, Escher was deeply impressed by the Islamic architecture and geometric mosaic patterns. This discovery marked the beginning of his lifelong research into tessellations: patterns that continue infinitely without beginning or end. This visual language would become one of the most characteristic elements of his oeuvre.

An exhibition that connects the past and the present

Ninety years after Escher's last visit to the Alhambra, Escher in the Palace brings this story back to life with the exhibition Escher & Islamic Contemporary Culture. The exhibition connects Escher's historical work with the present and shows how Islamic cultural heritage continues to inspire artists today. Rather than focusing exclusively on the influence of the Alhambra on Escher, the museum has opted for a broader and more contemporary perspective: a dialogue between Escher's work and that of contemporary artists from the United Kingdom and abroad.

A rich palette of disciplines

The exhibition showcases a rich mix of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, paper art, fashion and textiles. Escher in The Palace thus offers a multifaceted perspective on Islamic patterns and contemporary art, a combination that is still relatively rare in Dutch museums. The works demonstrate how geometry, repetition and symbolism continue to be a powerful source of inspiration today.

A total of approximately 30 works by 20 local, national and international artists are on display. Participating artists include Fatima Barznge, Emin Batman, Hassan Hajjaj, Dana Awartani, Leila Nazarian, Mounir Raji and Karim Adduchi. Many of the international works are being presented in the Netherlands for the first time, which makes this exhibition even more special.