The JATM art collection

The collection of AL HAMRA contemporary art projects called JATM is a pictorial series based on as singular piece around which seems to revolve geometric composition of ceramic tiles that we can found in the main Spanish-Muslim ornamentation of the Alhambra in Granada or also in the North African Maghreb colourful zellige (followers of this tradition and craftsmanship to nowadays), called the ‘ring’ or Jatm (also transliterated from Arabic language by khatam or khatim):  a star (Najm) of eight points formed by the intersection of two squares by rotating 45 degrees in diagonal, which usually combines directly with equal arm crosses finished with pointed ends, known as ‘moonlight’ or Daqmar sûm.

More complex patterns can be developed using the jatm (khatam) or its variant as a centerpiece. The following diagram shows how a pattern that employs a symmetry is built around a central jatm using a grid of four circles around a central circle.

By the middle-ages, the eight-point star had become widely used as a symbol in Islamic art, and known as khatim sulayman, ‘seal of the prophets’, as in the seal of a signet ring.  The phrase ‘seal of the prophets’ is also used in the Koran and has a particular ideological meaning for Muslim world.

Further symbolism of the eight-point star can be discovered by examining its role in Islamic ornamentation and pattern building. The eight-point star is referred to by artisans of the craft of zillij (geometrical mosaics made with ceramic tile work used mainly as an architectural ornament) in Morocco as sibniyyah or sabniyyah, which is a derivative of the number seven sab’ah. Why is this? It must surely be that it is conceived of as seven plus one.

The photo at side shows detail of a zillij pattern used to decorate a wall in the medina of Fes (Morocco). The pattern contains multiple uses of the eight-point star, both as a centerpoint and an encompassing shape of the pattern.

In conclusion, among the colour and composition, the jatm or Khatam stands as a symbol of early astronomy, interconnectedness, and faith in the ultimate harmony of Creation. In this way, the jatm represents the highest virtues in Muslim culture: learning, community, faith, and love of beauty.

The following pictures show several examples of the JATM art collection with various patterns based around an eight-point star that radiates outwards into various ‘moonlight’ crosses and star formations:




(Click on the image to enlarge)

(Click on the image to enlarge)

And monochromatic variations in grey, yellow, red, green and blue:

(Click on the image to enlarge)

For more information about the series, you can download the complete catalogue by opening the link in the right column of the page.