Dubai: The Al Owais Cultural Foundation recently played host to a calligraphy exhibition titled ‘Eye's Delight' which drew large crowds. It was the first of a number of interesting cultural events taking place at the foundation this month.
The exhibition showcased stunning samples of the Quran, as well as verses from ancient Arab poems, all of which were intricately sketched on cherished bohemian crystal.
There were 40 pieces in total at the show and the foundation also published a detailed pamphlet, explaining exactly how they were made.
The pieces were by Arab calligraphers from Iraq, Syria and the UAE. An Iraqi, Essam Hafoudh, who spent 38 years in the Czech Republic, was responsible for organising the event.
He told Gulf News about his attachment to calligraphy and bohemian Crystal, "Calligraphy accentuates the beauty in everything. If you refer to its actual meaning, you'll find it transforms ordinary words, letters and sentences into glamorous artistic pictures.
Non-Arab admirers
"Its loveliness usually attracts the attention of even non-Arab people who cannot help, but be drawn to the sight of a beautiful piece of calligraphy," he said.
It is very unusual for bohemian crystal to be used in calligraphy. But Hafoudh wanted to do something different when he came up with the concept for the exhibition. He explained: "Well, I thought it might be interesting to try combining the two elements. As a matter of fact, each has its own beauty and value, and together they form a timeless piece of art, created by very qualified artists."
However, the exhibition is not only pleasing to look at, but informative as it explains about the origins of semi-precious stones.
For example, it tells you how to differentiate between authentic crystal and false glass, through the rainbow of colours that the original one reflects once the light hits it.
Authenticity
This is considered a sign of authenticity amongst experts.
In relation to the background of the crystal used, he said "The crystal here represents the Quran verses and the ancient Arabic poems, both of which form important aspects of Islamic and Arabic culture.
"Therefore, we decided to use this valuable and glamorous bohemian type of crystal.
"Besides, it speaks best for itself in all its beauty, which can be seen in both the purity and the radiance that each piece mirrors."
Art: The collaborative artworks
About 20 calligraphers participated in the exhibition; each work mirrors the fertile imagination of the artists.
Mohammad Ezzat Karkukli sketched Quranic verse on a crystal flower-shaped plate.
Hassan Qasim Habash wrote a repeated invocation in the form of an octagonal star on a vase. He used Kufi script.
Kamil Al Baba used a round crystal plate and decorated it with Quranic verse by Sura Al A'araf (Recognition).
Mohammad Izzat Efendi wrote a verse of poem praising the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Murtada sketched a verse of an ancient poem on a star shaped crystal, by Bashar Ibn Burd, one of the most renowned poets in Arab history.
