What does the use of repeating patterns in Islamic art represent?

The use of repeating patterns in Islamic art represents infinity and spirituality. These intricate designs are often characterized by geometric shapes, interlace patterns, and tessellations, which extend endlessly, reflecting the concept of infinity. This aspect signifies the boundless nature of creation and the divine, as Islamic art is deeply intertwined with spiritual beliefs and is often created for religious contexts, such as mosques and other sacred spaces. The patterns guide the viewer's eye and create a sense of unity and harmony, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things in the universe, both seen and unseen.

The choice emphasizing finite human experience, transience of life, or natural diversity does not align with the overarching themes in Islamic art. While life’s impermanence is a concept present in many cultures, Islamic art predominantly seeks to convey a sense of eternal beauty and the divine, rather than focusing on the limited nature of human existence or the variety found in nature.