Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition to host more than 70 workshops and seminars

•    Diverse workshops led by best artists and experts in calligraphy to highlight creative, historical, social and design aspects of the artform
•    To be held from April 14 to May 15 at Wafi Mall as part of second Dubai Art Season organised by Dubai Culture

Dubai, UAE; April 14, 2015: The Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, will feature over 70 workshops for various age-groups led by the best Arabic calligraphy experts with the aim of showcasing to visitors the history of the artform and its various forms of expression, styles and historical and social context.

To be held from April 14 to May 15, 2015, at Wafi Mall, the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition is one of the main highlights of the second Dubai Art Season, the umbrella arts and creative initiative of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

Dr Salah Al Qassim, Advisor to the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “Arabic calligraphy is one of the leading expressions of creativity of the written word and its stylish and aesthetic expression has its origins in the Islamic heritage, reflecting the cultural and social identity of the region. The Exhibition will underline the rich creative expressions in calligraphy through the works displayed.  This event’s content and objectives are in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to reinforce the importance of Arabic language and enhancing its usage in various fields.”

He added: “The Exhibition will feature classical Arabic calligraphy as well as modern style calligraphy, which highlights the important role of integrating this artform, which is a part of Arabian heritage and culture with modern artistic expressions, which follows new styles but keeps it original soul, adding a touch of creativity and novelty.  The workshops will also cover classic and modern calligraphy, offering visitors and participants the unique opportunity to know about the aesthetics and heritage of Arabic calligraphy.”

The workshops, which will be translated into English, will be led by specialized experts at Raffles Hotel, Wafi City from April 14 to 27. They will cover diverse topics including workshops on how to draw paintings using Arabic letters and words, Thulth Jali, illumination, in-line workshop, gold leaf preparation and its application on patterns, materializing Arabic script, principles of gilding art, and specialised workshops Kufic, Roqa’a and Diwani typography.

It will also cover the secrets of pen shaving; design, implementation and illumination workshops for amateurs, classical way to prepare the painting template, light technology, Diwani workshop, improving calligraphy, how to implement art paining, Nasta’aliq typography, basic rules in Kufic Fatimid calligraphy and a special workshop on writing the Holy Quran and workshops on the preparation of golf leaf for use in layout designs.

The exhibition will also present specialized workshops to showcase the use of Arabic calligraphy outside the usual context using modern design movements.  The highlights of these workshops include: the ‘Typographic landscape in the Arab world today’ by Tarek Atrissi and ‘Arabic matchmaking of Latin logotypes’ by Wisam Shawkat.  For more information on the workshops and lectures, please visit: www.dubaiculture.gov.ae

The Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition will feature several sections including Classic Calligraphy, by renowned and expert calligraphy artists. There will also be several exceptional pieces from the collection of the Ministry of Culture as well as those owned by leading collectors in the UAE.  A section on Modern Calligraphy reflects new trends in this versatile art form that marks a new realm in calligraphy. Another section is devoted to light calligraphy technology.

The exhibition will showcase a selection works from the collection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Another highlight will be the display of sections of the Holy Quran of King Hussein bin Talal that features engravings in Maliki Islamic style calligraphy, which is being showcased in coordination with Tiba Traditional Islamic Book Arts in Jordan.

Supported by Audi and Al Nabooda Automobiles, the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition is aimed at promoting intercultural exchange with artists coming from all over the Arab world. It will serve as a platform for emerging artists and the visitors to interact with them, understand how they approach the art and be inspired to view calligraphy with greater understanding and knowledge.