Calligraphy In The Arab World: 5 UAE-Based Artists You Should Know
These creatives are putting a contemporary spin on traditional techniques
An age-old art form steeped in cultural and significance, Arabic calligraphy is an integral part Islamic of civilisation.
With its flowing patterns and intricate geometrical designs, the stylistic writing technique has evolved over time, and survived a myriad transitionary periods to become the sacred handicraft it is today.
Its origins date back to the 7th and 8th centuries CE, when the Kufic style of calligraphy, developed in the Iraqi city of Kufah, emerged as a writing method to document poetry, correspondence, and intellectual phenomena. As the earliest calligraphic style, defined by its long vertical lines, distinct angularity and proportional measurements, Kufic calligraphy was used in the preservation of the Quran, at a time when Arab scholars preferred memorising the scripture.
Later, through the influence of prominent Arab calligraphers across the Middle East, North Africa, the Ottoman Empire and beyond, new variations of the script emerged, each with their own stylistic elements.
From the Arab world’s Thuluth and Muhaqqaq designs to Africa’s Maghribi style and the Ottoman’s Diwani script, calligraphy flourished into both a functional and decorative tool, adorning buildings, ornaments, books, and artwork, immersing itself into the fabric of societies.
Today, contemporary calligraphy artists continue to keep the art form alive. By drawing on traditional methods while infusing their personal creative interpretations, many artists have developed their own bespoke style.
Coupled with an array of mediums and textures, the beauty of calligraphy artwork lies in its uniqueness. With no two pieces visually alike, each artwork holds a common thread of traditional rules and stylistic customs, linking it back to the centuries-old script.
In honour of this treasured art form, Bazaar Arabia rounds up five modern-day UAE-based calligraphy artists whose work continues to move and inspire us.
Calligraphy In The Arab World: 5 UAE-Based Artists You Should Know
Diaa Allam
Dubai-based calligraphy artist and muralist, Diaa Allam, has become a household name in the region’s cultural landscape. He considers himself a multi-disciplinary creative, exploring 3D calligraphy, augmented reality, live art performances and immersive experiences. After having perfected the traditional medium of acrylic on canvas, Diaa believes this gave him the foundation to foray into new territory.
In an Instagram post, the artist shared: “It is both my duty and my greatest accomplishment to innovate and create. Spread the beauty of my culture, spread the greatness of Arabic calligraphy. I believe that each medium offers a unique opportunity to express an artist’s message in its own distinct way. I am grateful to be able to reach a wider audience and convey my ideas in new and exciting ways.”
Today, Diaa’s artwork can be experienced in different ways, including immersive digital art installations and AI-generated imagery. Some of his notable works include a massive dome projection at Expo City Dubai, a wall mural of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and a limited-edition package design for Christian Dior. He’s also worked with brands including Chopard, Bvlgari, Google and Apple.
Majid Alyousef
With over 30 years of calligraphy craftsmanship under his belt, Majid Alyousef is an award-winning art and design veteran. He is known for his unique and contemporary visual style, blending the beauty of classical calligraphy with an avant-garde aesthetic. The Dubai-based artist also co-founded Calligraforms, a radical new movement to reimagine calligraphy with abstract perspectives.
His delicate, minimalistic designs have become instantly recognisable, while his work has been displayed at Times Square in New York and in the United Nation’s Office in Geneva.
Wissam Shawkat
Award-winning artist Wissam Shawkat is known for his contemporary calligraphy designs. Born in Iraq, the Dubai-based artist is completely self-taught, and used calligraphy as a form of escapism while growing up in the war-torn country. Wissam immersed himself in the intricacies and expressions of calligraphy, eventually developing his own script, the Al Wissam Style.
Today, he’s been awarded numerous prizes for his artwork and has participated multiple editions of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial and the Dubai International Calligraphy Exhibition.
Maryam Albalooshi
Maryam Albalooshi is the epitome of a multifaceted creative. As a qualified chemical engineer and climate change expert, she’s carved a niche for herself in the world of calligraphy. While her professional life may be strong and structured, she uses the art form as a creative outlet, allowing her soft and artistic side to shine through.
Through her artwork, Maryam prides herself on being a storyteller, believing that each piece should have a message or symbolism attached to it. In 2018, she presented an artwork to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, that delved into the concept of harmony and peace, and symbolising the importance of different cultures and nationalities living together in unity.
Today, Maryam is known for her unique calligraphy style and distinctive coloured inks. Her designs caught the attention of luxury jewellery brand Van Cleef & Arpels, with whom she now collaborates annually on a special-edition Ramadan collection of artworks that reflect the values of the Holy Month.
Mohommed Mandi
A veteran in the calligraphy space, Mohommed Mandi has been practicing calligraphy since 1975. He trained under renowned Turkish calligraphy, Hassan Chalabi, becoming skilled in various styles of the script, including Thuluth, Naskh, Diwani and Jeli Diwani. Today, he is known as one of the most prominent calligraphists in the country, and his work is featured on the logos of various UAE government buildings; the banknotes of the UAE and Bahrain; and in the passports of UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Yemen.
Often incorporating pious phrases and prayers into his work, he was tapped to create a design that now forms part of the interior of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Lead image credit: @majid_alyousef/Instagram.com