The Calligraphy Sculpture by Sabah Arbilli Unveiled in Qatar

Sabah Arbilli, British calligraphy artist was inspired to make a sculpture for Qatar National day based on a poem by H. E. Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of Qatar. The stainless steel artwork measures 7,5 meters high, including the base, and has been unveiled to the people of Qatar in the presence of VIP guests. H. E. Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning was at the official opening and unveiling of the sculpture.

The unveiling of the calligraphic sculpture with H. E. Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Sabah Arbilli / Courtesy of the Artist

The poem’s meaning is "And amongst the sultans I stood out; as a lanneret floating over mountain peaks.” In this sculpture the calligraphy was used in the form of individual Arabic letters and put together to create the verse of the poem in this sculpture. This is the first sculpture using the poetry of the founder of Qatar and it is the first public sculpture of this scale for Arbilli.

Mr. Kelly from Occidental Petroleum Qatar added: “I would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Sabah Arbilli, the artist who conceptualized and created this beautiful tribute. Without his talents, support and dedication to preserving Qatar’s artistic traditions, this project wouldn’t have been possible. We look forward to the rich discussion that Sabah’s sculpture will surely inspire in the years to come, with this unique fusion of calligraphy, history, poetry and sculpture.”

Sabah Arbilli added “I am deeply honoured as an artist to contribute my sculpture in the Qatar National Day celebrations. As an artist I was inspired by a particular verse and its meaning from an exhibition I did last year based on Sheikh Jassim's poetry. This particular verse inspired me to design the sculpture. Art is a universal dialogue which is shared with an audience capturing the beauty and form within each piece. This piece celebrates culture, history, captivates and draws the viewers to its presence. Qatar is very much an internationally growing country and it is attributes like this which make it more cosmopolitan on a global map. Being British I feel I am representing the UK overseas."

The calligraphic sculpture by Sabah Arbilli / Courtesy of the Artist

The calligraphic sculpture by Sabah Arbilli / Courtesy of the Artist

The calligraphic sculpture by Sabah Arbilli, detail / Courtesy of the Artist

The calligraphic sculpture by Sabah Arbilli / Courtesy of the Artist

Currently, Arbilli is exhibiting in Qatar at the Souk Waqif Arts Centre with his exhibition “Radda” (Return) and is showcasing works in Kuwait with his new collection.