UAE | Heritage and Culture

Creative power and beauty of Arabic alphabet

The Minister of Economy on Monday inaugurated the third session of Hunar Art Gallery's Arabic calligraphy exhibition entitled "Rhythm of the Pen".

  • By Syed Bilal Shafi, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:25 September 9, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Al Mansouri during the opening ceremony of the Rhythm of the Pen exhibition at Hunar Art Gallery.
  • Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News

 

Dubai: The Minister of Economy on Monday inaugurated the third session of Hunar Art Gallery's Arabic calligraphy exhibition entitled "Rhythm of the Pen".

The show, displays over 50 selected art works of 16 renowned contemporary Muslim calligraphers from the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Iran Qatar, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco and France. The works have been made using ink, water colours, oil, ceramic and acrylic.

The event aims to demonstrate the beauty and power of the Arabic language as well as to recognise and promote the achievements of Muslims in the field of art. The display, which features single alphabets, Quranic verses and poetry written in classical and modern ways, will run until October 8.

Great civilisation

Speaking to Gulf News, Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, said: "This exhibition, which involves the creative expertise of our artists, indicates how great the Islamic civilisation was and shall be and the extent to which it has contributed to the development of other cultures. The beauty of the various styles of Arabic writings also captivates the heart and minds of many non-Arabic speakers and non-Muslims."

The minister noted that there is need for such events and said he hoped the exhibition will create harmony and a culture of understanding between the Islamic and other societies. "Since the UAE has attracted many people of various nationalities, perhaps it can act as a gateway to promote our artists' talents."

Also present at the opening ceremony was the Deputy Head of Korean Mission, Keejong Chung. For him, the works created emotional and peaceful feelings.

Magali Moulin, a French teacher at Emirates International School, said that she was impressed by the intricacy visible in the art pieces."Although I don't understand the Arabic language, I can still sense that they provide some kind of a strong message. I also like that sometimes the curves within the letters make them look like pictures," she added.

Hunar Art Gallery will be open from 9am to 12pm throughout the week and from 4pm to 9pm on Fridays. The gallery is housed in villa no. 6 in Green Coast Village, near Airport Tunnel, in Rashidiya.

 

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