Fatima Al Zarooni, Exhibition Supervisor for Calligraphy Square at the Islamic Arts Festival, announced that 60 artists are presenting 244 artworks across eight exhibitions during the festival’s second day. The showcases highlight diverse interpretations of Islamic calligraphy, offering visitors a wide view of traditional and contemporary artistic expression.
Al Zarooni noted that the exhibitions feature a rich mix of calligraphic styles, including Thuluth, Naskh Taʿliq and Kufic scripts. They also bring attention to Moroccan ornamentation, modern decorative compositions and installation artworks inspired by classical Islamic artistic heritage.
Artists From Five Countries Exhibit Under the Theme “Siraj”
Participating artists represent the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Iran and Turkey. Al Zarooni invited the public to explore the displays at Calligraphy Square, which remain open until 31 January. The exhibitions form part of the 26th edition of the Islamic Arts Festival, held under the theme “Siraj,” which celebrates artistic illumination and cultural narrative.
Eight Exhibitions Highlight Regional and Generational Creativity
The lineup includes a mix of solo and collaborative showcases. The eight exhibitions are:
- Siraj by Emirati artist Fatima Lootah
- Generational Succession by Emirati calligrapher Mohammed Mandi and his students
- Light of Black Ink by Turkish artist Fatih Ozkafa
- Connection by Egyptian artist Abdel Fattah and his student Ashraf Hassan
- Ink Lantern featuring pieces by the late Iraqi calligrapher Abbas Al Baghdadi and Syrian calligrapher Ayman Ghazal
- Reflection by Turkish Professor Dr Omar Farouk Tashkola and his students
- Adorned Letters by Moroccan artists Badr Al Sayhi and Fouad Iblili
- Arts of the Pen by Iranian artist Habib Ramadanpour
Together, these exhibitions reveal the depth and diversity of Islamic calligraphy, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience throughout the festival.