In Islamic culture, there are certain religious restrictions on use of imagery and representation of human or animal forms is forbidden in many art forms. As a result, Islamic art has developed highly sophisticated abstract, geometric, and linear decorative elements.

Compare and contrast this aspect of Islamic art with art of another culture we have studied (your choice) that is centrally concerned with pictorial representations of iconic figures or realistic depictions of historical events or realistic situations. In your discussion, consider the various elements of art and design principles covered in Unit I of this course. As always, use specific examples of art.