Ahmed Al-Sulaimani, a Riyadh-based artist, is transforming traditional art with his unique blend of Arabic calligraphy and graffiti. His journey began in school, where he developed a passion for Arabic calligraphy during an art course.
Al-Sulaimani’s innovative approach combines classical Arabic script with vibrant graffiti elements. “Calligraffiti is a fusion of Arabic calligraphy and graffiti art,” Al-Sulaimani explained. “While graffiti often uses English letters, I incorporate Arabic calligraphy into graffiti-inspired styles.”
This creative fusion has garnered significant attention, leading to notable projects such as a mural collaboration with Jeddah Municipality.
“This project showcased my ability to integrate Arabic calligraphy into large-scale murals,” he said, which spurred further opportunities, including mural designs in 10 Saudi cities.
A major highlight in his career was designing Arabic signage for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Al-Sulaimani created towering structures adorned with Qur’anic phrases, bringing Arabic script to an international audience. “The towers, some reaching 40 meters, highlighted the diversity of the human experience,” he added.
Beyond public art, Al-Sulaimani has taught Arabic calligraphy at Harvard during workshops for visiting students. “I want to showcase the richness and versatility of the Arabic language,” he noted.
He is also developing a new Arabic font, set to be released later this year, which blends various calligraphic styles to reflect Saudi culture. “This font represents a unique Saudi identity and will be used digitally,” Al-Sulaimani said.
Despite facing challenges, including skepticism from established artists and misconceptions about his work, Al-Sulaimani persists. His calligraffiti is not just art but a means to share the depth of Islamic culture with a global audience.