ART EVENT Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition Hosts More Than 70 Workshops And Seminars

Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition / Courtesy of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

The Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, features over 70 workshops for various age-groups led by the best Arabic calligraphy experts with the aim of showcasing to visitors the history of the artform and its various forms of expression, styles and historical and social context. The Exhibition, one of the main highlights of the second Dubai Art Season, the umbrella arts and creative initiative of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), will run until May 15, 2015, at Wafi Mall in Dubai.

Calligraphy composition by Wissam Shawkat / Courtesy of the Artist and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

Dr. Salah Al Qassim, Advisor to the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “Arabic calligraphy is one of the leading expressions of creativity of the written word and its stylish and aesthetic expression has its origins in the Islamic heritage, reflecting the cultural and social identity of the region. The Exhibition will underline the rich creative expressions in calligraphy through the works displayed. This event’s content and objectives are in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to reinforce the importance of Arabic language and enhancing its usage in various fields.”

He added: “The Exhibition will feature classical Arabic calligraphy as well as modern style calligraphy, which highlights the important role of integrating this artform, which is a part of Arabian heritage and culture with modern artistic expressions, which follows new styles but keeps it original soul, adding a touch of creativity and novelty. The workshops will also cover classic and modern calligraphy, offering visitors and participants the unique opportunity to know about the aesthetics and heritage of Arabic calligraphy.”

The workshops, translated into English, will be led by specialized experts at Raffles Hotel, Wafi City from April 14 to 27. They will cover diverse topics including workshops on how to use Arabic letters and words in painting, illumination, gold leaf preparation and its application on patterns, principles of gilding art, and specialized workshops in Kufic, Riqa’a, Thuluth-Jali and Diwani style.

The event includes also specialized workshops to showcase the use of Arabic calligraphy outside the usual context using modern design applications. The highlights are ‘Typographic landscape in the Arab world today’ by Tarek Atrissi and ‘Arabic matchmaking of Latin logotypes’ by Wisam Shawkat. For more information on the workshops and lectures, please visit: www.dubaiculture.gov.ae

Wissam Shawkat working on his calligraphy artwork / Courtesy of the Artist and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

The Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition features several sections including Classic Calligraphy, by renowned and expert calligraphy artists. Several exceptional pieces from the collection of the Ministry of Culture as well as those owned by leading collectors in the UAE are on view at the Exhibition. There is a section on Modern Calligraphy that reflects new trends in this versatile art form, marking a new realm in calligraphy. Another section is devoted to light calligraphy.

Calligraphy composition by Wissam Shawkat / Courtesy of the Artist and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

The exhibition showcases selected works from the collection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Another highlight will be the display of sections of the Holy Quran of King Hussein bin Talal, which is being showcased in coordination with Tiba Traditional Islamic Book Arts in Jordan.

The Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition promotes intercultural exchange of artists coming from all over the Arab world. It serves as a platform that gives visibility to the artists and helps visitors to interact with them, understand how they approach the art and be inspired to see calligraphy with greater understanding and knowledge.