Calligraphy on display

A solo art exhibition on calligraphy featuring Holy Quranic verses in fine hand-embroidery will be held by Sharjah Department of Culture and Information at the Exhibition Hall off Al Qasba Canal between November 20 and December7.

The exhibition, featuring the work of artist Shams-un-Nisa, is part of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival and the artist says the profit from the sale of her work will be used for the cause of Islam.

She says her ultimate aim is to set up a permanent gallery where the entire Holy Quran, complete in the very finest hand-embroidery, is put on display.

A mother of six, Shams-un-Nisa is a British national who has lived in the UAE for nearly 25 years. She has managed, with the help of her team of expert embroiderers, to interpret over 1,500 pieces of Islamic calligraphy in exquisite hand-embroidery, using her own calligraphic skills.

She is a dress and embroidery designer and a freelance radio broadcaster. She worked with the BBC's Urdu Service and Abu Dhabi Radio's Urdu Service.

Her first solo exhibition was held at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation in 1998.

Her work has also been featured at various solo exhibitions in Al Ain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha in Qatar.