Moroccan multi-media artist Mounir Fatmi uses Arabic caligraphy in novel ways. In the video work Modern Times: A History of the Machine (detail shown here) atmi uses these circular compositions literally as wheels, the parts of a noisy locomotive that hurtles forward relentlessly.
(CNN) -- Islamic tradition is not often lauded for its influence on couture, but a Turkish fashion label has won a prestigious international art prize awarded to artworks inspired by Islam's heritage.
Dice Kayek, established in 1992 by sisters Ece and Ayse Ege, triumphed over 270 entries from all over the world to claim the Jameel Prize, given biannually by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The sisters, who live and work between Istanbul and Paris, were the first fashion designers ever to be nominated for the art prize, which comes with a $40,000 award. They beat nine other finalists with their collection, named Istanbul Contrast, which was inspired by the Turkish city's architectural tradition.
"Every dress is a symbol and interpretation of Istanbul's diverse architecture. It's a city of contrast, where east meets west and modernity and tradition coexist" explained Ece Ege.
Dice Kayek's garments tell a story of Istanbul's rich history by weaving references to intricate Byzantine mosaics and opulent robes of Ottoman rulers, but their creations also have a modern, international edge. They are sold in 35 countries on five continents, and the label is a member of the prestigious Fédération Française de la Couture, alongside names like Chanel and Balenciaga.
The brand's winning collection was created in 2009, and has already been shown in some of the world's leading museums such as Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, Amsterdam Museum and Istanbul Museum of Modern Arts.
Martin Roth, Director of the V&A and chair of the distinguished panel of judges, which included Zaha Hadid and Thomas Heatherwick, lauded the designers' ability to translate the spirit of Islamic tradition for the modern era: "We were struck by the way that Dice Kayek's work uses Islamic inspiration in a completely secular context, taking it into a new world, that of contemporary fashion."
Other shortlisted entries included jewelry, textiles, installations, and calligraphy, created by an eclectic group of artists from diverse backgrounds ranging from Saudi Arabia to France.
An exhibition of work by the winner and nine short-listed artists and designers runs at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London until April 21 2014.
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Textile designer Rahul Jain set up a workshop in Varanasi in India to recreate magnificent silk textiles of the past. The workshop has five drawlooms, at which local Muslim weavers work in pairs. This is a details from The Snow Leopard made from drawloom-woven silk and silver gilt thread.
Detail of the installation, CAPC displayed in Bordeaux, France by Parisian artist Laurent Mareschal. Although it has the appearance of traditional Islamic tiles, the piece is in fact made up of carefully arranged spices, including turmeric, sumac, zaatar, ginger and white pepper.
Saudi Arabian calligrapher Nasser Al Salem works in various media. In Kul, he exploits one of the most dramatic forms found in the Arabic script -- the combination of the letters kaf and lam that spell out the word kull, meaning 'all'.
French designer Florie Salnot's recycled plastic necklace, titled Plastic Gold, is a product of her work with women from western Sahara. Inspired by the traditional jewelery worn by these women, Salnot has devised a craft they can practice despite their limited resources.
Japanese furniture and product designer Nada Debs blends Middle Eastern craftsmanship with Japanese minimalism. Her Concrete Carpet (detail) combines a light-weight form of concrete with Arabic font design.
Pakistani artist Waqas Khan trained in the traditional practice of miniature painting, but uses the skills he learned to create drawings on a large scale. He says, "The process is almost architectural, like building something slowly brick by brick.
