The unifying theme of the exhibition is the preservation of the traditional arts of the Islamic world - in both themes and materials - in the modern world and the role of education in its transmission and translation. Half the objects featured in the exhibition are historical objects from the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) collection from four great dynasties connected to Afghanistan: the Ghaznavids, Timurids, Mughals, and Safavids. The other half of the exhibition presents works created specifically for the exhibition by Turquoise Mountain students in response to, and in conversation with, the historical objects.
This exhibition captures the dialogue between the past and present and highlights how the museum’s role is not only to preserve historical artefacts but also to nurture new generations of artists and artisans.