Dubai
The ninth edition of the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition concluded on April 30 at Wafi Mall, after 90 per cent of the artwork showcased during the exhibition was sold.
Organised by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, the exhibition presented works from over 50 international calligraphy artists, with dedicated sections for ‘Classic’, ‘Modern’ and ‘Illuminated’ calligraphy works.
The exhibition also included the collection of Mohammad Al Murr, to offer visitors a blend that celebrated the various facets of Arabic calligraphy.
Dr Salah Al Qasim, Adviser to Dubai Culture and Head of Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition Committee, referred to the positive feedback from guests and the public, pointing out the exhibition attracted influential artists from the UAE and the Islamic world.
The exhibition served as an interactive platform that brought together artists and visitors to acquire a better understanding of calligraphy, highlighted Emirati talent, contributed to encouraging emerging talent, and opened up new educational horizons for young attendees.
Alongside the exhibition, Dubai Culture offered 24 workshops and lectures for all ages, where visitors learned first-hand about both classic and modern calligraphy techniques. These included workshops provided by studio Abjad Design, ‘Arabic Lettering for Fiction’ in collaboration with Christian Sarkis, as well as ‘Written Words with Different combinations’ with Mohammad Jawad Zadah, a workshop on the experience of writing the Holy Quran in a novel form with Mohammad Safar Bati. Another workshop was ‘The Development of Nastaliq in the Ottoman Era’ with Professor Mustafa Ugur Darman.
Tarek Atrissi also hosted a workshop about ‘Monumental Arabic Typography: Lettering in the Public Space’, while Mohammad Yaman Karmala Rabbi explored ‘Yassir in Thulth and Jali’ and Dr Nadine Chahine shed light on ‘The relationship of Arabic Calligraphy and Type Design’.
This year, a dedicated section was created for children at the exhibition, which included a reading corner with bilingual books for children and adults, and an area for creative workshops such as ‘Islamic Tiles’, ‘Poetic Geometry’, ‘Layers of Meaning’, ‘Words In Imagery’, ‘Pattern and Perspective’ and ‘Positive & Negative Designs’.
Dubai Culture aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural scene and draw attention to the Emirate’s rich heritage with a variety of initiatives that take place throughout the year. This is the second edition of the exhibition organised by the authority, fulfilling its mandate to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures through enriching initiatives that benefit the Emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors.
