The Sharjah Department of Culture is set to host the 11th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial on 2nd October.
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the event will honour three prominent figures in Arabic calligraphy: Emirati calligrapher Khalid Ali Al Jalaf, Iraqi researcher Idham Khalid Hanish, and Spanish historian of Islamic and Andalusian art José Miguel Poyatos.
The works of the honorees will be showcased in solo exhibitions at the Calligraphy Square in the heart of Sharjah on the opening day. These exhibitions will remain open to the public throughout the biennial’s duration.
Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, emphasised the importance of honouring innovators in calligraphy, a universal art form that combines profound meaning and eloquence. “This aligns with the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah and r
einforces the biennial’s mission to celebrate the creators of this authentic art form.”
The current edition of the biennial features a diverse range of group and solo exhibitions, curated by experts in the field. The general exhibition showcases original calligraphy from artists worldwide, while other exhibitions focus on contemporary works and Emirati calligraphers’ expressions of love for their homeland.
Additionally, the biennial will include an exhibition dedicated to reviving forgotten scripts. Turkish artist Davut Bektas and Iranian artist Sadegh Shafiee will also present their solo exhibitions, titled “Golden Letters” and “Notations on the Pen” respectively. The biennial will further benefit from the participation of several local institutions.
Source: Emirates News Agency