Traditional Calligraphy Meets Modern Interpretation at New Sharjah Exhibition

The ‘Manifestations of the Character’ exhibition will showcase artistic experiments of traditional Arabic calligraphy forms from 19 local artists at Sharjah Calligraphy Museum

Sharjah, UAE, September 29, 2016:  A new exhibition and full programme of workshops themed around modern artistic interpretations of traditional Arabic calligraphy will take place at Sharjah Calligraphy Museum in partnership with the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy & Islamic Ornamentation.

The exhibition will launch on 27th September and will run for eight weeks until 18th November. 

‘Manifestations of a Character’ will see 19 local calligraphy artists display their artistic experiments, featuring modern linear calligraphic trends inspired by Arabic letters.

In addition, Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, in collaboration with the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy & Islamic Ornamentation, will host a range of public 
seminars open to all ages, aimed at those wishing to improve their knowledge and appreciation of this fascinating Islamic art form. 

The full seminar programme will include lectures, specialised calligraphy workshops (including ornamentation), an Ebro workshop as well as a family workshop on Saturday 12th November and a series of ‘Authentic Arabic Scripts’ calligraphy courses running from Sunday to Thursday each week from Sunday August 28th to Friday 18th November.

“We are delighted to be exhibiting the work of such a diverse array of contemporary calligraphers in a show designed to serve as a significant showcase of traditional Islamic art,” said H.E Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department.“

It is thanks to partnerships with organisations such as the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy & Islamic Ornamentation that we can engage visitors and educate them with regard to the endless artistic potential of one of the region’s most honoured and most aesthetically pleasing art forms.

“The exhibition and workshop programme will run until November 18th. Both provide our visitors with a wide range of opportunities to discover more about traditional Islamic calligraphy and its continuing significance in the artistic expression of contemporary practitioners.”

Sharjah Calligraphy Museum was opened in 2002 in the legendary Hamad Al Midfaa building in the Sharjah Heritage Area (Heart of Sharjah). Created by local artists and well-known international calligraphers, significant works of art from the Arab world demonstrate the complexity of this vibrant art form and its historical and Islamic foundations.