His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Inaugurates the 11th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Inaugurates the 11th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial.

On October 2, 2024 / Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 11th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial this Wednesday evening, organized by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at the Department of Culture under the theme "Inscriptions." The events will continue until November 30.

Upon his arrival, His Highness visited the main exhibition, where he listened to a detailed explanation of the diverse artworks on display, which included 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 international artistic experiences of 153 calligraphers from around the world. The 300 calligraphic works showcase artistic diversity in form and content, treating the letters as visual elements that can be shaped according to both idea and imagination. The calligraphic styles presented include Thuluth, Naskh, Diwani, Kufi, Sini, and others.

His Highness also visited the exhibition "Cherishing the UAE," organized by the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy & Ornamentation. He was briefed on the creative works of calligraphers that reflect themes of patriotism and included poetic texts and famous phrases describing love for the homeland.

The association presented a distinctive piece as a token of appreciation to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his comprehensive support and unlimited interest in all arts, including Arabic calligraphy. The gifted artwork features a poem by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (God has given us goodness and blessings) written in clear Diwani script in green, symbolizing generosity and goodness. The message encourages youth to love their homeland and be grateful for blessings. This piece was crafted by calligrapher Fatima Salmeen, one of the students in Arabic calligraphy courses in the Eastern Region.

During his tour, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi stopped at the exhibition honoring this year's featured artists: Emirati calligrapher Khalid Ali Al-Jallaf, Iraqi Idham Mohammed Hanash, and Spanish José Miguel. He reviewed the valuable works of these artists, which included Arabic calligraphy on themes ranging from Quran verses to poetry. His Highness learned from the artists about the different ideas and visions that showcase their personal artistic evolution as prominent figures in the field with extensive experience in Arabic calligraphy, incorporating known architectural arts and symbols of Islamic architecture. He also reviewed various publications by the artists on Arabic calligraphy.

His Highness visited the "Revival of Scripts" exhibition featuring 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.

He toured the exhibition, which focuses on reviving ancient scripts, listening to comprehensive descriptions of the displayed artworks. 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 various techniques and styles, while showcasing different artistic perspectives that reveal the aesthetics and artistic possibilities of Arabic calligraphy as a rich addition to this unique experience.

Afterward, His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah honored several artists who have contributed significantly to the art of Arabic calligraphy, including calligrapher Khalid Ali Al-Jallaf from the UAE, Dr. Idham Mohammed Hanash from Iraq, and Dr. José Miguel Puerta from Spain.

His Highness also honored this year's winners of the biennial awards, 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." His Highness also honored artist Omran Ali Al Blooshi, who won the Special Jury Award for Emirati Calligraphy for his work "Conscience of Union."

The ceremony began with a speech by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Culture Department and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, who highlighted the great diversity of events that emphasize the importance of this authentic art. He noted that the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial has created a wide visual culture since its inception in 2004, and this current edition continues the biennial's role in illuminating the authentic Islamic artistic heritage of Arabic calligraphy.

Al Qaseer added, pointing to the biennial's significance and its impact on the art movement, "The biennial has created vibrant spaces of creativity in calligraphy for two decades, showcasing the beauty and potential of the Arabic letter, and the artistic endeavors presented by calligraphers and specialists in this historical art over the years."

In his speech, the Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial reviewed the various events offered in this edition, emphasizing Sharjah's position on the global cultural and artistic map, stating, "The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial establishes its international presence as a hub for calligraphic creativity, dedicated to preserving this authentic Islamic art. This leadership confirms Sharjah's commitment to all that is beautiful and creative. Sharjah, with its cultural and artistic achievements, opens its arms to every creative artist and visitor."

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. The biennial features 94 activities, including exhibitions, specialized workshops, lectures, and various seminars, hosted by the Sharjah Culture Department in collaboration with over 30 organizations and institutions in the emirate. This edition showcases more than 600 artworks by 260 artists from different countries, including 30 calligraphic and artistic exhibitions featuring artists from around the world.

His Highness was accompanied during the tour by His Excellency 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, General Director of the Sharjah Museums Authority, and a large number of artists, calligraphers, journalists, and enthusiasts of Arabic calligraphy.