Hilda and Lena Kelekian, who are artists of Armenian, Cypriot, and Lebanese origin, have created Islamic art, and a Lebanese patron has built a website to promote their work internationally.
Anthony Azoury established islamicart.me to introduce potential customers to the Orthodox Christian artists who include Qur’anic passages into their works of art.
Worldwide interest in Hilda has been high, according to Azoury, who spoke to Arab News. She has many clients from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Gulf region, as well as from Europe. So, I decided it would be a wonderful idea to finally exhibit her very distinctive artwork.
Since she has been painting for more than 30 years, Hilda claimed that she speaks with imams to ensure that her techniques are correct.
“I enjoy the melody of Arabic script. I don’t use the Kufi or other schools of Arabic lettering when I write. She referred to an Arabic calligraphic style when she added, “I have my own (style) in the way I write. I am in contact with several sheikhs, and I am aware of all the regulations, so when I am sketching, I abide by the Islamic sect’s laws.
“I must follow the manner when I open the Qur’an to copy a verse. I have to follow a few simple rules. When I paint, I have to be clean,” she explained.
Among other places, Hilda has shown her art in the US, China, France, Venice, Spain, and more. Lena is a visual artist, iconographer, art therapist, and transdisciplinary.
She has participated in more than 202 group exhibitions across 62 countries, and she has presented 17 solo shows in 13 different countries. 32 institutions around the world, including those in London and Italy, have her art on exhibit.