Jeddah: Pierre Caye, head of the French Institute of Islamology, recently gave a lecture titled “Ornament at the Service of Cultural Dialogue” at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah.
The lecture was organized by the Alliance Francaise Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Consulate General of France and the French Research Centre of the Arabian Peninsula in Jeddah.
In his talk, Caye explored the role of ornamental art — from both Eastern and Western traditions — in bridging cultures and societies.
“Through ornamental art, which circulates quickly, fluidly, and in a very present manner, we witness a natural revival, one in which modern art connects with the past,” Caye told Arab News. “It is an incredibly stimulating and exciting process.
“Ornamentation is a universal form of art. From ancient times to today, it has been present across all cultures, both East and West. Ornament is found everywhere —whether in music, architecture, calligraphy, rhetoric, or decorative arts, even in religious and sacred arts,” he continued. “In fact, no artistic activity is exempt from ornamentation. It is a privileged means of dialogue between cultures.”
Caye also shared his admiration for Jeddah’s historical charm. “I was amazed by the restoration in Al-Balad. It was a perfect introduction to my lecture, an entry point that allowed me to explore my journey with wooden ornaments and the intricate wooden craftsmanship seen in Roshan windows,” he said.
Caye is also the director of research at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, and has devoted much of his career to exploring the sources of European artistic and moral culture.
He has directed international research groups on topics including “Artistic knowledge and art treatises from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment,” and has published several books and articles on the subject.
His current role at the French Institute of Islamology allows him to continue exploring the intersection of art and culture.
During the lecture, an interesting exchange arose regarding the religious significance of ornamental art. Caye reflected on this dialogue, saying, “In Europe, religious art was traditionally associated with painting and grand works of art. But for Islam, ornamental art holds great religious importance. I was told that these patterns carry high religious significance; they serve as a way to connect with divinity, with infinity.
“This theological approach presents challenges for me. The link between art and theology is a complex issue, one that’s difficult to interpret, as these connections vary across religions and societies.”
Caye’s lecture provided insights into how ornamental art serves not only as aesthetic expression but also as a cultural and spiritual bridge between civilizations. He highlighted the rich, multifaceted nature of art and its profound ability to connect people across time, space, and belief systems.
Larry Lamartiniere, managing director of Alliance Francaise in Jeddah, said: “Pierre Caye was able to engage our audience in Jeddah on the cultural significance of ornamental art across societies. We are proud to welcome such esteemed experts in their field to Saudi Arabia for the first time.”
