Abu Dhabi: Bringing into sharp focus the significance of Arabic calligraphy, a three-day exhibition was inaugurated on Sunday at the Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Taking place in the capital for the first time, ‘Written word: The Epitome of Islamic Art’, brought to life Pakistani participants’ artistic maturity through a multitude of paintings.
“There are about 34 paintings showcased here by 10-12 Pakistani artists. This exhibition is a celebration that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr,” Curator Ayesha Imtiaz told Gulf News.
The series of displayed paintings was completed by both established as well as rising artists in this field, she added.
“The exhibition’s oldest masterpiece is called 'Allah' by one of Pakistan’s worldwide artists Gulgee,” Asif Ali Khan Durrani, Ambassador of Pakistan, told Gulf News.
“There are many admirers of calligraphy in the UAE, which is a field that continues to rise to prominence in both countries and this is why we decided to launch this initiative,” he added.
When asked about one of the exhibition’s main goals, Faisal Aziz Ahmad, deputy head of mission, Pakistani Embassy in the UAE, said: “Calligraphy constitutes a big part of our heritage and is something that is of mutual interest between Pakistan and the UAE, which is why we have decided to launch this project.”
Setting the stage to take the written words beyond just paper and pen, the display is designed to take visitors through a range of calligraphic artworks such as ‘Beauty of the Arabic Script’ by Aisha Kamal; ‘Abstract Calligraphy — The Merciful’ by Bukhari; ‘Sunset at Ravi River’ by Abid Khan; and ‘The Pathway’ by Wajid Yaqoot, among others.
Mohammad Abdul Wahid Khan, press counsellor at the Consulate General of Pakistan in the UAE, said: “We really want to showcase Pakistani artists’ growing talents to the wider public, particularly to a country that is so rich in Islamic art,” he added.
The three-day project is in collaboration between the Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Art Hub, he explained.
Launching an art display revolving around flowers on UAE’s National Day, December 2, is one of the initiatives in the pipeline, which will serve as a congratulatory gesture from the Pakistani Embassy, Imtiaz added. “This is still under negotiations and nothing has been confirmed yet,” she said.
Running from July 26-28, ‘Written word: The Epitome of Islamic Art’ is open daily to the public from 6-9pm at the Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Maisoon Mubarak is a trainee at Gulf News
