| Title | Metamorphoses Series |
| Subtitle | Metamorphoses 1 |
| Artist / Creator | Islam Aly |
| Artist's Nationality | United States |
| Place of Publication | Iowa City, Iowa |
| Publication Date | 2015 |
| Process / Technique | Laser cutting |
| Structure / Binding | Flag accordion book |
| Medium / Materials | Binders board, clear acetate, linen thread |
| Paper Stock | Cave paper, handmade flax paper |
| Number of Pages | 7 folds, 2 sets of 6 flags |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.75 x 5.25 x 1 inches. Extends out to 20 inches |
| Edition Size | Edition of 40 |
| Signed & Numbered | Yes |
Surface patterns on works of art created in the Islamic world have been prized for centuries for their beauty, refinement, harmony, intricacy, and complexity. The geometric patterns can be equally thought of as both art and science. Metamorphoses 1 celebrates the growth and morph of a small geometric star pattern. The pattern is based on the intersection of two equal squares. The patterns then are combined, duplicated, interlaced, and arranged in intricate combinations that are mathematically precise, aesthetically pleasing, and symbolic.
Artist Bio
Islam Aly received a BA and an MA in Art Education from Helwan University, Egypt. He is currently a doctoral candidate in the College of Education's Art Education program at the University of Iowa. In August 2013 he finished the MFA program at the University of Iowa Center for the Book. His books explore the possibilities of historical bindings in contemporary book art practice. They have appeared in international exhibitions in the United States and abroad, and in private and public collections including the NewYork Public Library, the W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library at the University of Alabama, the National Library of Chile, the University of Iowa Special Collections, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.