Brilliance of calligraphy showcased at 11th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 11th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial on October 2. To run till November 30, it is being organised by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at the Department of Culture under the theme “Inscriptions”. The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah visited the main exhibition, where he listened to a detailed explanation of the diverse artworks on display, which includes verses from the Quran and poems in various calligraphic styles created by artists from the United Arab Emirates and other Arab and Islamic countries.

This year’s exhibition features a variety of works representing the artistic experiences of calligraphers from around the globe. It showcases more than 600 artworks by 260 artists from different countries, including 30 calligraphic and exhibitions featuring international artists. The works showcase artistic diversity both in form and content. The calligraphic styles presented include Thuluth, Naskh, Diwani, Kufi, Sini, and others whose revival is being recorded by the exhibition. “Cherishing the UAE” demonstrates the love for the Emirates. Organised by the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy & Ornamentation, the works reflect themes of patriotism through poetic texts and famous phrases describing love for the homeland.

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The Association presented an art piece as a token of appreciation for the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, in appreciation of his unfailing support and keen interest in the arts, including Arabic calligraphy. The artwork features a poem by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, written in the Diwani script in green, symbolising generosity and goodness. Its message encourages youth to love their homeland and be grateful for its blessings. The piece was crafted by calligrapher Fatima Salmeen, one of the students of Arabic calligraphy courses in the Eastern Region.

This year’s featured artists are Emirati calligrapher Khalid Ali Al-Jallaf; Iraqi Idham Mohammed Hanash; and Spanish calligrapher José Miguel Puerta. The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah honoured them for their significant contributions to Arabic calligraphy. They are presenting works on themes ranging from Quran verses to poetry. The artists put forward different ideas and visions that showcase their personal artistic evolution as practitioners in the field, with extensive experience in Arabic calligraphy. They incorporate well known artistic motifs and symbols of Islamic architecture in their works.

  Calligraphy works line up in the hall.

The “Revival of Scripts” exhibition features calligraphers Ahmed Fahad from Egypt; Jassim Mi’raj from Kuwait; Hossein Feizabadi from Iran; Omran Al Balushi from the UAE; and Haytham Salmo from Turkey. The focus is on reviving ancient scripts. Comprehensive descriptions of the displayed artworks are being provided. The artists present distinctive calligraphic works showcasing their creative and innovative sides, particularly in the use and invention of artistic forms.The exhibition highlights several abandoned scripts such as Hijazi, Kufi Mushafi, Eastern Kufi, Signatory script, Ruq’ah, Muhaqqaq, Rayhani, Mamluk Thuluth, and Old Diwani, along with the various techniques and styles they were written in, while showcasing different artistic perspectives that reveal the aesthetics and artistic possibilities of Arabic calligraphy.

This year’s winners of the biennial awards were also honoured by the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, including calligrapher Mohammed Farouk from Syria for his work titled “Have Mercy on Me”, which won the Grand Prize. The winners of the Authentic Direction awards included calligrapher Ziad Al-Muhandis from Iraq for his work “Surat Al-Najm”; calligrapher Fardin Ghozlou from Iran for his work “Surat Yasin”; and calligrapher Ahmad Al-Bashir from Syria for his work “Surat Al-Rahman”. The winners of the Modern and Contemporary Calligraphic Arts awards included artist Rashid Aghli from Morocco for his work “In”; artist Sanaz Al-Barzi from Turkey for her work “Bird of Life”; and artist Jaafar Ali from Iran for his work “The All Wise”. Artist Omran Ali Al Blooshi won the Special Jury Award for Emirati Calligraphy for his work “Conscience of Union”.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Culture Department and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, highlighted the immense diversity of events that emphasises the importance of calligraphy. He noted that the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial has created a wide visual culture since its inception in 2004, and the current edition continues the biennial’s role in illuminating the authentic Islamic artistic heritage of Arabic calligraphy. “The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial establishes its international presence as a hub for calligraphic creativity, dedicated to preserving this authentic Islamic art,” he said. “This leadership confirms Sharjah’s commitment to all that is beautiful and creative.” The biennial’s events are distributed across various locations, including the Calligraphy Square in the Heart of Sharjah, Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, University of Sharjah, and Al Qasimia University, among others.

It also features 94 activities, including exhibitions, specialised workshops, lectures, and various seminars hosted by the Sharjah Culture Department in collaboration with over 30 organisations and institutions in the emirate. Various publications by the artists on Arabic calligraphy are also on view. The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah was accompanied on his tour by Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Culture Department; Aisha Rashid Dimas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority; and a large number of artists, calligraphers, journalists and lovers of Arabic calligraphy.