The art of calligraphy is highly regarded amongst Muslim artists because it is considered
the most fundamental aspect of Islamic art. Essentially calligraphy allows for the
transformation of text into a decorative form. The significance of this art form in Islam is reflected in
the potential of the Arabic script to evolve into an array of ornamental styles. The Qur’an, which was revealed in the
Arabic language, is the holy book of the religion of Islam and is believed by
Muslims to be the word of God. Due to the relationship between Arabic
and the Qur’an, much of Islamic calligraphy includes quotes from the Qur’an or
other texts inspired by the Qur’an. Thus it is not surprising that many Muslim artists in America integrate calligraphy into their artworks. The band of calligraphy around the Dome of the Rock is one example of early calligraphy in the Islamic world._
The role of calligraphy in the unification of the broader Muslim community around the world was expressed well by the Turkish scholar of calligraphy, Mahmud Yazir (1895 - 1952):
“Within the Muslim community, it was not only the Arabs, but the Turks, Persians, Egyptians, Tunisians, Algerians, Moroccans, Andalusians, Afghans, Central Asians, Indians, Javanese, Kurds, Laz, Bulgarian Pomak Muslims, Bosnians, Albanians, and Circassians who brought forth calligraphers. These and so many more peoples and nations brought up countless illustrious artists; male and female slaves, men, women, poor, rich, religious savants, philosophers, painters, musicians, composers, singers, physicians, rulers, sheikhs, theologians, judges, muftis, kadiaskers, sheikhulislams, vezirs, ministers of state, pashas, generals, shahs, and emperors, all exhausting their lives and ruining their eyesight producing masterpieces of calligraphy.”_
The role of calligraphy in the unification of the broader Muslim community around the world was expressed well by the Turkish scholar of calligraphy, Mahmud Yazir (1895 - 1952):
“Within the Muslim community, it was not only the Arabs, but the Turks, Persians, Egyptians, Tunisians, Algerians, Moroccans, Andalusians, Afghans, Central Asians, Indians, Javanese, Kurds, Laz, Bulgarian Pomak Muslims, Bosnians, Albanians, and Circassians who brought forth calligraphers. These and so many more peoples and nations brought up countless illustrious artists; male and female slaves, men, women, poor, rich, religious savants, philosophers, painters, musicians, composers, singers, physicians, rulers, sheikhs, theologians, judges, muftis, kadiaskers, sheikhulislams, vezirs, ministers of state, pashas, generals, shahs, and emperors, all exhausting their lives and ruining their eyesight producing masterpieces of calligraphy.”_
Early Islamic Calligraphy
Tools and Materials
Special paper prepared for Islamic calligraphy. It allows for erasure and corrections.
|
One of the earliest materials used for calligraphy, the bamboo pen allows for a wide range of movements and the flexibility required for this art form. Also referred to as a qalam, the Arabic word for pen.
|
The traditional ink used can also be diluted with water.
|
Mohamed Zakariya
Mohamed Zakariya of Arlington, Virginia converted to Islam in the 1960s after a visit to Morocco where he discovered a world filled with a new language, religion, and culture. During this time he also began to teach himself Arabic. However, it was not until he stumbled upon a piece of Islamic calligraphy in an Armenian shop that his passion for the art form grew. He decided to teach himself calligraphy and after practicing he realized he wanted to become a calligrapher. Since then he has spent his time perfecting his skills and has become a world-renown calligrapher known as the predominant representative for Islamic calligraphy in America._
Many people know Mohamed for his calligraphy on the Eid U.S. postal stamp. Originally released back in 2001, the stamp was re-released in 2011 and most recently in 2013. The script on the stamp reads Eid mubarak, translating to "have a blessed festival." Eid refers to the two most important holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr, the end of the month of fasting (Ramadan), and Eid al-Adha, the end of the holy pilgrimage (hajj)._
Arash Shirinbab
Arash Shirinbab is a successful artist, designer, and calligrapher. He has won numerous awards and currently practices art in the Bay Area. His artwork has been featured in over 50 exhibitions around the world including the Museum of Art Artists Guild and the Triton Museum of Art, both in California. Arash is also the co-founder and director of the Society of Arabic Script Calligraphers of America and the Ziya Art Center located in Berkeley. Although he only moved from Iran to the United States a few years ago, he has become very involved in the Bay Area as a calligrapher. He also frequently teaches workshops on calligraphy around the Bay Area. His style ranges from traditional Islamic calligraphy to Kufic and Thuluth scripts._
Calligraphies in Conversation
"Calligraphies in Conversation" was an exhibition created by Ziya Art Center and held at the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC) in Oakland from March 15th to May 3rd, 2014. The show focused on traditional Islamic calligraphy and featured about 50 artworks including Chinese, Turkish, Persian, Tibetan, and Arabic calligraphy from 20 artists. The goal of the exhibit was to use art to unify different faiths and cultures.
Follow these links for more information:
Overview of the exhibit
Gallery of exhibition (artists and artworks)
"Calligraphies in Conversation" was an exhibition created by Ziya Art Center and held at the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC) in Oakland from March 15th to May 3rd, 2014. The show focused on traditional Islamic calligraphy and featured about 50 artworks including Chinese, Turkish, Persian, Tibetan, and Arabic calligraphy from 20 artists. The goal of the exhibit was to use art to unify different faiths and cultures.
Follow these links for more information:
Overview of the exhibit
Gallery of exhibition (artists and artworks)
*background image - myscribeweb.com/arabic-scripts