Arabic calligraphy is the most highly regarded element of Islamic art, as it is the language of Qur’an. The script has the potential for creating ornamental forms
Today, the art of Arabic calligraphy continues
For #Ramadan a thread on 15 artists redefining Arabic calligraphy…
1/ Based in London @ArtofthePen is an internationally renowned classically trained calligrapher. Her work pushes the boundaries of what is expected from this traditional art form. In 2005, Soraya was awarded the sought-after icazetname from Istanbul…
2/ Artist @WissamSh is an expert in Arabic calligraphy. He is largely self-taught, attaining mastery through book research, visits to various masters, museum & library collections. He has developed a signature style, which is referred to as Calligraform…
3/ Artist @MajidAlyousef is a calligrapher & typographer. He has a unique style, merging traditional Arabic calligraphy with contemporary visual arts. Majid’s work is inspired by abstract painting & sculpture, especially cubism, futurism & de stijl…
4/ Artist @elseed uses his distinctive style of Arabic calligraphy merged with graffiti, to spread messages of peace, & highlight the commonalities of human existence.
His calligraffiti is a tool for unifying communities, & can be found over the world…
6/ Artist @zahragulraizart uses Arabic Calligraphy in her own bold and distinctive style to spread positive energy into people’s surroundings. Along with her striking use of colours, she focuses around quotes that uplift and inspire…
7/ Lebanese Artist Ghaleb Hawila is fascinated by the endless possibilities of Arabic calligraphy, which he approaches with a new eye. Ghaleb’s work comes from a deep understanding of Middle-Eastern heritage and spiritual paths…
8/ Pouran Jinchi’s art is characterized by an innovative play on calligraphy & script. She translates despair and destruction into a beautifully ethereal visual language…
9/ British Muslim artist & brandalism activist @Teakster believes art has the power to unite people, & connects communities by challenging perceptions of space, replacing outdoor advertising with beautiful artwork…
10/ Saudi & Morrocan artist Shaker Kashgari’s work stands out due to his creativity as well as diversity. Whether a canvas with traditional scripture or a word designed in calligraffiti, Shaker has proven it is possible to be a self taught talent…
11/ For artist & calligrapher @Hatem_Arafa_ Arabic calligraphy is a kind of addiction, & practicing drawing each letter gives him unprecedented enjoyment & satisfaction…
12/ UK based artist @handofayesha expresses her love for the written word through her work. She is fascinated by the concept of culture & how this influences art. This has lead her to experiment with modern Arabic, Urdu & Farsi lettering with street art…
13/ Artist Aliya Quraishi is based in Melbourne, Australia. After studying fine art & textiles, she was inspired you to move towards specializing in Islamic art and calligraphy. Her work explores traditional futures…
15/ Born in Tehran, @snasernia began his career primarily as a calligrapher & typography artist. He talks about turning Arabic letters into an abstract language, the concept behind Crazy Kufik & deconstructing the rules of Arabic & Persian writing…
Mosques are at the heart of Islamic life. Muslims spend much time inside mosques during #Ramadan as they congregate for communal prayers. Many mosques are renowned for the beauty & artistry of their interiors.
For #Ramadan we look inside 24 mosques across the world…
A thread…
1/ Putra Mosque, Malaysia
The principal mosque of Putrajaya, Malaysia. Construction of the mosque began in 1997 & was completed two years later. It is located next to Perdana Putra, which houses the Malaysian Prime Minister's office & man-made Putrajaya Lake #Ramadan
2/ Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, Saudi Arabia
Masjid al-Haram was built around the Kaaba. It is also the largest mosque in the world. It was first built under the leadership of the Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab (634-644) & has been modified continuously under several Muslim rulers #Ramadan
2/ Double Folio from a Qur'an
c. 1330-1350, Central Asian or Turkish
Early Muslim settlers from central and western Asia carried Islamic book traditions into India, especially in the form of Qur'ans, such as the one from which these pages come
Art is a mechanism of contemplation & a tool to explore ideas
From the connection of geometry & nature, the divine beauty of the Qu'ran, visual storytelling, vibing Arabic calligraphy & Muslim pop art there is much to think about in our new Art for Thought series...
A thread...
Artist @RFJamesUK creates elaborate ephemeral artworks using the natural materials he finds in forests, parks, and beaches near his home in Yorkshire, England.
James talks about geometry, nature & the future of Islamic art:
Artist @zahragulraizart uses Arabic Calligraphy in her own bold and distinctive style to spread positive energy into people’s surroundings. Along with her striking use of colours, she focuses around quotes that uplift and inspire:
The conservation of Islamic cultural heritage contributes to inspiring artistic progression for the future
From Uzbekistan to Jordan, the UK & beyond, our new Heritage series explores exquisite mosques & holy sites, multi-sensory experiences, cultural tourism & more
A thread...
1/ A thousand years ago, Bukhārā-ye Sharīf was one of the intellectual & religious centres of the Islamic world. This Islamic heritage continues to draw visitors to Uzbekistan today
@UZAmbassador explores Bukhārā-ye Sharīf & the Holy Sites of Uzbekistan:
From the very earliest stages in the Islamic literary tradition, poetry has reflected the deepest sense of Muslim self-identity, communal history, & aspirations for the future
To mark #WorldPoetryDay we are celebrating 14 Muslim poets who continue this tradition
A thread…
1/ UK based Bahraini writer & poet @ali_mn_aljamri is passionate about Bahraini history, human rights & decolonising education.
Writing in Arabic & English, he was recently appointment as one of 3 Manchester Multilingual City Poets #WorldPoetryDay
2/ Poet Shagufta K Iqbal’s work is personal, intimate & sometimes both bruising – & tender. She uses poetry to reach out & engage with people whose experiences are not reflected within mainstream arts #WorldPoetryDay
Geometric patterns are one of the most distinguishing features of Islamic art, thought to reflect the language of the universe & the greatness of creation
Today, artists are reinterpreting this traditional artform in new ways
A thread on 24 artists redefining Islamic geometry…
1/ After completing a bachelor’s in accounting & finance, Indian artist Antara Biswas took the plunge, switched careers and pursued what she loved doing most, creating art inspired by Islamic geometry…
2/ Artist @SKbydesign work tells stories which are about celebrating something long forgotten, and a reclamation narratives. She is interested in colonial legacies, social justice & using art as a tool for change…