Calligrapher's art inspired by Islamic teachings

Dubai: Newspapers and magazines inspired Emirati calligrapher Khalid Al Jallaf's passion. Al Jallaf admits that imitating headlines as well as various text designs drawn by professional calligraphers really taught him the fundamental structures of writing in various styles and fonts.

Calligraphy in Khalid's view represents Arabic and Islamic culture: "Calligraphy represents the roots of our Arabic and Islamic culture that is effortlessly seen in the Quran and Hadith. I attempt to resurrect the beauty and the authenticity that have been always linked to such art."

Early interest

His attachment to the art of calligraphy goes back to his early days: "As a matter of fact, since childhood I have shown an interest in calligraphy."

"Frankly, there was no specific reason, I just felt an extraordinary attachment to calligraphy and deep down I was determined to take it to the next level ...

"I started practising calligraphy when I was 16 years old and I feel that I should thank the Emirati artist Abdul Qader Rais who directed me back then."

Asked about the message that he aims to deliver through his calligraphy, he says: "I like to depict the peak of Islam and express the glow of Arabic language through the alphabet of my mother tongue. In order to mirror how our religion is great and our culture is fruitfully rich."

The Quran is an essential source of inspiration for the Emirati calligrapher: "Generally, I personify the letters and make them express my own feelings and visions.

"Most of the letters and types of calligraphy I use are inspired and selected from the verses of Quran and Hadith of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)," he explains.

Colour

"Even the colour that I use is affected in one way or another, [along] with the meaning of the selected verse."

Painting, photography and designing logos are other aspects that interest Al Jallaf. He has participated in Arabic calligraphy exhibitions in GCC and Arab countries and also European countries including France, Austria, Spain and Germany.

Al Jallaf found his niche in Kufic calligraphy in its different forms and styles. He became influenced by the major Egyptian calligraphers such as Yousuf Ahmad and Mohammad Abdul Qader Abdullah and the major Turkish calligrapher Ameen Barn.

"I love to play with ‘Kufic' calligraphy; we actually have different types of it, for instance Mamlouky, Fatimi, Andulsi, Qairawani and Nisabouri," he said.

Al Jallaf's "Letters of Wisdom" is a solo exhibition organised by Hunar Art Gallery and runs until Wednesday.