Islam Aly
As a book artist, I am drawn to the unique and versatile nature of the book form. Whether old or new, the book has always captured my imagination and challenged me to explore its physical properties and content in new and innovative ways.
Through my work, I use book art to reflect on our contemporary time and explore the intersections between past and present. Books have a rich legacy in approaching social justice issues and giving voice to marginalized groups, and I strive to create books that promote empathy and belonging.
The traditions and history of bookbinding inspire my artistic practice, and I am constantly exploring new ways to incorporate these techniques into contemporary book forms and ideas. I am passionate about studying the construction, materials, and techniques used in traditional bookbinding. I frequently experiment with laser cutting, waxing, stitching, and paper dyeing to create visually stunning and conceptually complex artworks.
Ultimately, my goal as a book artist is to push the boundaries of contemporary book art while remaining true to the rich legacy and traditions of the book form. I am constantly engaged in the process of discovery and learning. I am deeply committed to creating artwork reflecting our collective past while promoting a more just and equitable future.
Artist’s Statement
Islam is a book artist and lecturer of Design at Helwan University's College of Art Education. His artistic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Art Education, followed by a Master's from the same university. He was determined to continue his academic journey, and he pursued a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Art Education, which he earned at the University of Iowa.
Islam delved deeper into his passion for book arts at the University of Iowa and earned an MFA in Book Arts. His education and artistic training have shaped his unique approach to creating artist books, which combine historical bookbinding techniques with digital technologies.
Islam's work is created at the junction between culture, technology, and aesthetics. His artistic practice explores the possibilities of historical bindings in contemporary book art practice. Through his artworks, Islam explores how traditional bookbinding techniques can be adapted to incorporate digital technologies, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in book art. His email address is islamaly@gmail.com