The Collection of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia Contemporary Islamic Calligraphy Exhibition ‘NUN WA AL QALAM’

Maryam Ghanbarian / Untitled, Acrylic on canvas, 145x145 cm, 2012 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

In addition to enriching its acquisition of historical and cultural objects, over the years, the IAMM has privately built a collection of contemporary Islamic calligraphy. The collection comprises of artworks that reflect the diverse tradition of calligraphic script styles from around the world, as well as the impressions and creativity used to express and manifest them.

In conjunction with its 15th anniversary, the IAMM is finally presenting its collection of contemporary Islamic art to the public for the first time, through the Contemporary Muslim Calligraphy Exhibition 'NUN WA AL QALAM' . The exhibition is showcasing a selection of over 100 artworks out of 300 artworks from the IAMM collection, which bears witness to the development and diversity of this magnificent art form. The works of 36 artists from countries that include Japan, China, Malaysia, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Syria are featured.

Ranging in size and materials, from ink on paper to oil on canvas, as well as acrylic on fiber-glass, the works of art are on view in the IAMM’s two Special Galleries until May 10, 2014. The exhibition is an eye opener for visitors, as it is undoubtedly sparks interest and new ideas amongst the local calligraphy community. In addition, the fresh approaches to calligraphy may also inspire and guide future generations to strive for creativity, excellence and innovation.

A special highlight of the exhibition is a section dedicated to five outstanding female calligraphers. In addition to discussing the role of female calligraphic artists in the development and safeguarding of Islamic calligraphic art, this section will also serve as a platform for them to share with us their reflections and inspirations.

The Highlights from the Exhibition

Mir Yaghoub Sangtrash / Knot, Acrylic on canvas,142x142 cm, 2012 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM)

Alireza Saadatmand / Soil of Road, Oil on canvas, 50x50 cm, 2010 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Yousef Rezaei / Luxure, Acrylic on Canvas, 150x150 cm, 1999 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Azra Aghighi Bakhshayeshi / Hoboot, Oil on canvas, 163x161 cm, 2010 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Ola Hejazi / Memorable Carpet 4, Acrylic on canvas, 228x218 cm, 2013 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Ali Shirazi / Path, Acrylic on canvas, 100x100 cm, 2010 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Kiarash Yaghubi / Untitled, Mixed media on canvas, 150x150 cm, 2012 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Ahmad Dhiya bin Abdul Ghafur / Arabic letter Alif Lam and Ra, Acrylic on canvas, 76x76 cm, 2013 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Mehrdad Shoghi / Poetry by Rumi, Acrylic on canvas, 200x200 cm / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Mohsen Daeinabi / Untitled, Mixed media on canvas, 120x80cm, 2008 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Mouneer Al Shaarani / Be thee gracious, generous, eloquent and discreet, Gouache on paper, 66x117 cm / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Fereydoon Omidi / Untitled, Oil on canvas, 200x160 cm, 2008 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Left: Ali Jamshidi, Untitled, Acrylic on canvas, 99x200 cm, 2010 / Right: Einoddin Sadeghzadeh, You Belong To Me, Tar on canvas, 2009, 199x100 cm / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Mohammad Bozorgi / Sea, Mixed media on canvas, 176x312 cm, 2012 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Golnaz Fathi / Untitled, Acrylic on canvas, 145x131 cm, 2008 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Mohammad Sarreshteh / Untitled, Acrylic on canvas, 100x152 cm, 2010 / Courtesy of The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is a non-profit organization dedicated to being a custodian, preserver and educator of Islamic art. It is located at Jalan Lembah Perdana in Kuala Lumpur, neighbouring the National Mosque and Islamic Centre. It is within walking distance of the National Museum, National Planetarium, Orchid Garden, Butterfly Park and Bird Park. The 12 permanent galleries in the museum comprise: Architecture, Qur’ans & Manuscripts, India, China, Malay World, Textiles, Jewellery, Arms & Armour, Coins & Seals, Metalwork, Ceramic & Glass and Living with Wood.