Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial 2014 ‘Calligraphical Spaces’ by Egyptian Artist Hazem El-Mestikawy

Hazem El Mastikawy explaining his work / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Hazem El-Mestikawy was born in 1965 in Egypt. He received a B.A. of Art Education & Sculpture Dept. - Menya University, Upper Egypt in 1986. He participated in many international art events and exhibited his work in Egypt, UAE, Belgium, Austria and Japan. In addition to his artistic practice El Mestikawy has held many prestigious positions including Director and Chief Curator of the MEMA Museum of Egyptian Modern Art (2002-03); Head of Jury for the 1st International Media Art Forum (2008) and Member of the High Committee 11th Cairo International Biennial (2008).

Installation view / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

In 'Calligraphical Spaces' El Mestikawy, as a sculptor, uses Arabic letters in a very fluid and flexible way. The letters are often carved as positive and negative form. His artistic career is wrapped with analytical vision of the world around him. The structural form – clear in his artworks – is in line with his architectural sensibility. This is reflected in the modernity of his sculpture. The same letters can be placed in different compositions to create a completely new sculpture. The light and shadow plays an important role in his sculptures. Artist uses recycled paper, colours and different materials to "carve" what is in his mind, fusing on a technical innovation that delivers remarkable results.

Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial is organized by the Directorate of Arts in the Department of Culture and Information, Government of Sharjah, in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE and this year is held as part of the celebrations of naming Sharjah as the Islamic Capital of Culture for 2014. The Biennial will run until June 2, 2014.

Highlights from the Exhibition

Hazem El Mastikawy / Behind the Back, 60x60x4 cm / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Hazem El Mastikawy / Black box and two red Squares, 30x22x43 cm / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Hazem El Mastikawy / From the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Hazem El Mastikawy / Division Lines nr.2, 9-units, 20x20x2 cm / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Hazem El Mastikawy / Division Lines nr.1, 9-units, 85x58x58 cm / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Hazem El Mastikawy / I am the Other, 105x105x18 cm / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Installation view / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

From the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Hazem El Mastikawy / Level-Staff, 3x10x256 cm / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Hazem El Mastikawy / ReRouting, 74x58x6,5 cm / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

From the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Hazem El Mastikawy / Viewpoint, 44x89x6 cm / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine