Abu Dhabi: There is so much to do and see at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), which could make it difficult to choose which part of the 35,000-square-metre area to visit.
One area that is a must visit is the Illustrator’s Corner in Hall 8. This space is a hub dedicated to a diverse selection of artists who are eager to share their art with visitors.
One such artist at the corner is Diaa Allam, a 35-year-old calligraphy artist with a unique style. He is returning to the fair for the third time because he says he loves to share his art and work alongside other artists.
“I love the atmosphere of the Illustrator’s Corner and the cultural exchange. It is so great to have this interaction with other artists over seven days.”
Allam admits to being shy and quiet, telling Gulf News that he prefers to let his art do the talking. Visitors who approach him to see his work up-close generally end up walking away with their name written in his stunning art.
The UAE-born Egyptian works so effortlessly that it is difficult to believe he has not always been a full-time artist.
He said his love for calligraphy started when he was 14 at school when he competed with a friend to stay on top of his class, but his classmate beat him in Arabic classes because his handwriting was better.
“I started to buy books and copy them. This was in the 1990s when there was no internet, so I got a lot of books.”
His persistence paid off. He beat his friend and became top of his Arabic class too.
“After this, I fell in love with calligraphy. I love the way the smoothness of the movements feel when I write.”
However, he went on to study urban planning and as he got a job in the same field, life and work got in the way of his passion. That is until 2011 when he said one day he had an epiphany.
“I just thought what am I doing with my life? I want to leave something behind in this world.”
This feeling drove him to go back to his art and for the UAE’s 40th National Day, he designed a book titled 40 Years in 40 Words, which contained 40 different words in 40 different designs, and presented it at an exhibition in Fujairah.
“People reacted very well to my art and encouraged me to do more. From here I started to take my art seriously.”
Allam started to build on his style and in 2013 started his own company, Naht Designs. Finally two months ago, he resigned from his job.
“I want to chase my dream and my passion.”
He said he hopes one day his art would be recognised around the world.
Illustration Corner highlights
Friday, April 28, 7pm — From Syria to the UK: conflict, identity, and diversity in children’s picture books.
Saturday, April 29, 5.30pm — The right way of animation
Sunday, April 30, 7pm — Picture book illustration
Monday, May 1, 6pm — Imagination and children’s books
Box
What: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec)
When: April 26 to May 2, 9am to 10pm; Friday: 4pm to 10pm
