“Before calligraphy was canonized as a form it was once considered revolutionary and experimental. My practice is an effort to take it back to that disorienting place that teeters on the edge of what is known and what is unfamiliar,” says artist Wissam Shawkat.
Born in Basra in 1974, Wissam Shawkat’s journey as an artist began with a profound connection to the Arabic alphabet. During the Iraq-Iran war, amidst the chaos and bombings, he found solace in writing and repeating calligraphic letters on dusty tiles. Encouraged by his supportive parents, Shawkat became self-taught, embarking on a path that would shape his life and artistic expression.
While pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Basra University, Wissam Shawkat realized that his true calling lay in the realm of calligraphy. His summers were spent honing his skills at a local sign shop, laying the foundation for his artistic endeavours. The rigid rules and structure of calligraphy fascinated him, but he yearned to break free and explore new possibilities. In recent years, Shawkat has gained recognition for his innovative calligraphic style, Al Wissam. This distinctive approach combines elements from various traditional scripts, such as Sunbuli, Jali Diwani, Eastern Kufic, and Thuluth, infusing them with a contemporary design aesthetic. His work is a testament to his constant desire to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of Arabic calligraphy. Shawkat is often described as a rule-breaker, a label he humbly acknowledges but doesn’t readily apply to himself. Yet, his artistry undeniably defies traditional norms. Even in his creative process, he blends traditional tools and materials with a modern aesthetic, using handmade paper reed pens and traditional inks to create works that provoke us to reconsider the essence and possibilities of Arabic calligraphy. This characteristic, known as Calligraformic, aligns perfectly with Shawkat’s artistic vision, positioning him on the periphery of tradition and opening doors to new interpretations. As a calligrapher turned conceptually motivated artist, Shawkat embarked on a path of self-discovery within the confines of a rigid and rule-based medium. Through years of devoted study of traditional scripts, compositions, and forms, he gained the necessary expertise to discern which principles could be challenged and reimagined, and which should remain intact. Shawkat’s artistic exploration goes beyond the literal meanings of Arabic letters, delving into their graphic value and visual impact. He deconstructs and rearranges elements, such as cutting off the sharp tail of a ‘ha’ and experimenting with angles and serializations using pen or brush. The resulting forms transcend their original context, evoking a sense of monumentality that transcends the boundaries of the Arab world. His artistic influences range from old Turkish masters to movements like Bauhaus, Geometric Abstraction, Futurism, Cubism, and even the collages of Cecil Touchon. With his latest body of work, Shawkat introduces the term “Calligraform” to describe his style and approach. It encompasses his focus on the forms of the letters, their inner and outer spaces, and their graphic qualities. Through the meticulous exploration of calligraphic characters’ precise shapes, Shawkat merges them with his unique artistic vision, bridging the gap between the known and the unfamiliar.
Wissam Shawkat’s artistic journey represents a revolutionary approach to Arabic calligraphy. He challenges the established norms, reimagining the art form in ways that are both disorienting and captivating. By emphasizing the forms, spaces, and graphic qualities of Arabic letters, he expands the boundaries of calligraphy, drawing inspiration from diverse artistic movements and influences. Shawkat’s Calligraformic creations invite us to see Arabic calligraphy through a new lens, evoking a sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty and versatility.