Pulse in a Wall

Graffiti art, ranging from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings has existed since ancient times. However it has undergone countless transformations and today graffiti art receives more attention and focus in the Arab world, available to all who wish to write or draw on a public wall in order to deliver a certain message.

At the Sharjah University (College of Fine Arts and Design) a photo exhibition of graffiti art opened on April 6, 2014. The exhibition, as a part of Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial 2014, is a collaboration between the Directorate of Art in the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information and the Union of Arab Photographers.

The exhibition was inaugurated by HE Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information. The opening was attended by Dr. Essam Naser, Acting Director of College of Fine Arts and Design; Majed Al Jarwan Deputy Director of Public Relations in Sharjah University, Hisham Al Madhloum, General Coordinator of Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial and Director of Art Directorate, in the presence of the artists and guests.

The opening of the exhibition, (L-R): HE Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of the Lead Committee, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information; Dr. Essam Naser, Acting Director of College of Fine Arts and Design; Majed Al Jarwan Deputy Director of Public Relations in Sharjah University and Hisham Al Madhloum, General Coordinator of Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

HE Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of the Lead Committee, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information tours the exhibition with the honourable guests / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

The exhibition is a result of a competition conducted by the Union of Arab Photographers in collaboration with the Directorate of Art in the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information. The aim was to select the best photo combining graffiti art with real life, and with a strong message.

The winners of the competition are: the 1st Prize: Bashar Shglila from Libya, the 2nd Prize: Hiba Kanj from Lebanon and the 3rd Prize: Mohammed Abdulghany from Egypt.