Sharjah’s Calligraphy Biennial has opened its 12th edition, bringing together 272 artists from across the Arab world and beyond with hundreds of works exploring the past and future of Arabic calligraphy.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, the biennial features 681 artworks and 93 events across the emirate.
The programme, which runs for more than 45 days, includes exhibitions, workshops, lectures and seminars at venues including Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, 1971 – Design Space and the University of the Arts Sharjah.
Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, director of Sharjah’s Directorate of Cultural Affairs and the biennial, said the event had helped return Arabic calligraphy to the international art scene.
The biennial was established in 2004 with the support of Sheikh Sultan, who has promoted Arabic calligraphy as both a traditional art form and a medium capable of adapting to contemporary artistic expression.
“This longstanding art form” has been connected with the present through its history, aesthetics and continuing creativity, Mr Al Qaseer said at a press conference announcing the programme.
This year’s theme is “Balance”, a concept closely associated with the proportions and precision of Arabic calligraphy.
Artists from countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, India, China, Italy, Sweden, Canada, Germany, Turkey and Indonesia are taking part.
Their works range from traditional calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation to installations, murals and contemporary art centred on the Arabic letter.
The programme includes 26 exhibitions and 61 art workshops, giving visitors the opportunity to explore different calligraphic styles and techniques. Three lectures will also examine developments and contemporary approaches to the art form.
An international seminar at House of Wisdom, titled “Arabic Calligraphy Between Authenticity and Global Pioneering”, will bring together artists, academics and researchers from the region and beyond.
Among the exhibitions are Hilya Sharifa, Balance and Pioneers, which will be shown at Sharjah Art Museum alongside photography exhibitions featuring work by Arab and Emirati photographers.
House of Wisdom will host Bymizan: From the Dot to the Meaning, bringing together the work of Sheikha Khawla Bint Ahmed Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, Khalifa Elshimy, Hameed AlSaady and Khalid Al Jallaf.
The exhibition examines the development of the Arabic letter, beginning with the dot and moving towards the formation of letters, words and sentences through proportion and balance.
Other exhibitions will be held at 1971 – Design Space, the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation, Emirates Fine Arts Society and the University of the Arts Sharjah.
The biennial will also recognise three calligraphers for their contribution to the art: Khalifa Elshimy of Egypt, Belaid Hamidi of Morocco and Ali Al Hammadi of the UAE.
Awards will also be given for outstanding works in the general exhibition, including prizes for traditional calligraphy, modern and contemporary calligraphic arts and an Emirati calligrapher.
Organisers say about 100 guests, including artists, calligraphers, lecturers, workshop leaders and media professionals, are expected to take part in the programme.
The biennial is being organised by Sharjah’s Department of Culture in partnership with more than 20 cultural, academic and artistic institutions.
