Sharjah Calligraphy Forum Honors Three Masters of Arabic Calligraphy

Celebrating Arabic Calligraphy

The 12th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum, set to take place next October, will honor three distinguished figures in the field of Arabic calligraphy: Emirati calligrapher Ali Al Hamadi, Moroccan academic Belayed Hamidi, and Egyptian artist Khalifa Al Shaimi. The forum, which is held under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, aims to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Arabic script.

The event will kick off with personal exhibitions for the honorees at the ‘Calligraphy Square’, where selected works will be displayed, reflecting their artistic journeys and contributions to the development of Arabic calligraphy. These exhibitions will remain open to the public throughout the duration of the forum, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the creative expressions and aesthetic visions of the honored calligraphers.

A Platform for Cultural Exchange

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qusair, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Forum Director, emphasized that the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum continues to establish itself as a global cultural and artistic platform that celebrates the aesthetics of Arabic script. He noted that the forum has gained a significant position on the global map of Arabic calligraphy over its previous editions.

Al Qusair highlighted that honoring these three artists recognizes their artistic and scholarly contributions to Arabic calligraphy, both through their creative practices and their research efforts. The forum aims to celebrate individuals who have played a crucial role in the development and promotion of this art form, enhancing its presence both regionally and internationally.

Artistic Innovations and Future Directions

The upcoming forum will feature innovative programs and exhibitions that explore the evolving relationship between calligraphy and visual arts. In addition to the personal exhibitions of the honorees, attendees will have the chance to engage with diverse artistic experiences that showcase the richness of Arabic calligraphy and its ongoing ability to adapt and resonate with contemporary expressions.

The theme of this year’s forum, ‘Balance’, carries significant artistic implications, offering calligraphers a broad perspective on creativity in their work. It also reflects multiple meanings that contribute to enhancing the aesthetics of calligraphy, showcasing the unique artistic identity of this discipline.

Profiles of the Honorees

Ali Al Hamadi, an Emirati calligrapher, has nurtured a passion for Arabic calligraphy since his early years, leading him to develop his skills into a professional practice characterized by a blend of geometric precision and aesthetic beauty. His work exemplifies a diverse range of visual compositions.

Belayed Hamidi from Morocco has dedicated a significant part of his career to advancing the Andalusian Moroccan style of Arabic calligraphy, notably through his book ‘Al-Hilya Al-Sharifa’, published in 1996. He has also contributed to the academic field as a member of the international jury for Arabic calligraphy in Istanbul since 2007 and has taught calligraphy techniques in several countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia.

Khalifa Al Shaimi, an Egyptian calligrapher and visual artist, is recognized for his innovative approach that merges traditional Arabic calligraphy with contemporary artistic perspectives. Residing in the UAE since the 1970s, he has left a notable impact on various calligraphic and decorative works.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum?

It is an annual event celebrating Arabic calligraphy, showcasing artistic works and honoring prominent figures in the field.

Who are the honorees at this year’s forum?

The honorees are Ali Al Hamadi from the UAE, Belayed Hamidi from Morocco, and Khalifa Al Shaimi from Egypt.

What is the theme of the 12th edition of the forum?

The theme is ‘Balance’, focusing on the artistic implications and aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy.

When and where will the forum take place?

The forum will take place in October at the Sharjah Calligraphy Square.

What activities will be featured during the forum?

The forum will include personal exhibitions of the honorees and various programs exploring the relationship between calligraphy and visual arts.