Ink and Soul: The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Ink and Soul: The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial

6 Nov 2024

A major calligraphy exhibition started in Sharjah last month and will run through the end of November, making it a must-see for anyone who loves art and culture. The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial has become a global hub for Arabic calligraphy, celebrating the beauty of this traditional art form. Key ideas of the local and international artist, best works of the exhibition – diving into it below.

The event, backed by Sharjah’s Department of Cultural Affairs, took nearly a year of preparation, and the dedication shows. Visitors can explore over 300 pieces by more than 150 calligraphers from places like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkey, Syria, Indonesia, and the UAE, along with artists from around the world.

While religious themes are a strong focus, the exhibition also features broader, more relatable works that resonate with Dubai’s diverse expat community. For example, one section of the exhibition highlights modern takes on Arabic calligraphy, while other reflects Emirati calligraphers’ deep connection to their homeland.

In one of the halls, there are desks set up for calligraphy lessons. These classes are held twice a week, however, they are conducted in Arabic, which might be a challenge for non-Arabic speakers.

This 11th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial is putting Sharjah’s leading role in the spotlight, highlighting Arabic calligraphy as an art form with historical and cultural significance. Let us dive into the details of the event.

Mayam Al Tamimi — Tulip rose in modern way / Japanese Sakura Flower

Main Goals

For two decades, Sharjah has been a key center for calligraphy, consistently supporting efforts to keep this art form thriving. The main aim in these events is to spotlight the UAE’s arts scene and promote local artists. The Sharjah Biennial has built an international reputation for bringing contemporary art and cultural programs to the community and beyond, with the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial playing a big part in this vision.

Apart from raising Sharjah and the UAE's cultural profile, the biennial builds an awareness among the local cultural institutions like the Sharjah Center for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation and the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy.

Hussam Abdelwahhab — Mercy / Love

Key Themes

This year marks the eleventh biennial theme "Inscription”. It also celebrates three pioneers of Arabic calligraphy: Emirati calligrapher Khalid Ali Al-Jallaf, Iraqi researcher Idham Khalid Hanish, and Spanish historian of Islamic and Andalusian art, José Miguel Puertas. Their works were featured in solo exhibitions at Sharjah’s Calligraphy Square on the opening day and will remain on display throughout the event.

Religion is a central theme in many of the works displayed. Many calligraphers in their works refer to Allah — sometimes quoting from the Quran, sometimes simply expressing the devotion — such as in pieces featuring the "99 Names of Allah."

Yet other themes appear as well, such as, for instance, love. Although these may also have religious roots, visually, they stand apart, sometimes even taking on secular inspiration. Some artists experiment with materials, using oil paint instead of the usual acrylic for a richer, more textured effect. Others incorporate fabrics, like in Work n Love, adding a tactile dimension. Some works even resemble modern graffiti, pushing the boundaries of traditional calligraphy. For instance, in the works of Mohamad Ala-Ajlan, critic Dr. Hakim Abbas notes, “He builds his art with a blend of literature, a deep knowledge of Arabic calligraphy, and a practice of shaping letters both within and beyond the rules of calligraphy.”

Ibrahim Juma alhassoun — IN LOVE; Mohammed Abubakar Siddique — Surat Al-Qalam, verse 4; Mohammed Alajlan — Poem

Artists and Works

The exhibition features over 300 works, with some pieces marked as winners in different categories. (Next to their title cards in some works you can also find an additional card with the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial logo identifying the artwork as a winner) These winners were chosen by a special jury of respected calligraphers from various countries, each renowned in the calligraphy community. Among them are:

Ziad Al-Muhandis — the winner in Classical category.

Originally from Iraq, Ziad Al-Muhandis was an engineer and began studying calligraphy in 1983. He earned his degree in calligraphy in 1995 and has been participating in exhibitions ever since, including the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial in 2016. He won this year’s prize in the Classical category for his piece Peak.

Ziad Al-Muhandis — Peak

Rachid Irhli and Jafarali Sarvi — Winners in the Modern and Contemporary Category.

The Modern and Contemporary category includes pieces by Rachid Irhli from Morocco and Jafarali Sarvi from Iran, showcasing the wide range of styles in this section. Rachid’s work plays with color, while Jafarali explores form. One artist uses canvas, and the other — wood, demonstrating the versatility of modern calligraphy.

Sanaz Al Borzi — Bird of Life; Rachid IRHLI — Fii

A special highlight of the exhibition is the Revival of Scripts section. This initiative aims to explore the aesthetic potential of ancient scripts, inspiring a renewed appreciation for traditional Arabic calligraphy. Here, you will mostly see Quranic texts and scripts from the Hijazi tradition (Meccan and Medinan scripts), blending classical forms with fresh artistic expression.

Also, a small hall is dedicated to the works of Sadegh Shafie. The uniqueness of this part of the exhibition lies in the fact that the Arabic inscriptions are carved into pencil graphite. Shafie began his calligraphy career at the age of 30, inspired by the belief that “it’s never too late.” Today, he is a regional pioneer in this unique form of art.

Sadegh Shafie

Overall, the scale of the event is impressive. If you are interested in exploring Arabic culture, do not miss it out — the exhibition runs until the 30th of November. Quick note: do not be confused by the dates marked on the artworks. Some pieces show 2023/2024 year, while others 1445 H — both indicate that the works are newly created specifically for this exhibition. The difference is simply that some artists use the Gregorian calendar, while others prefer the Islamic calendar.

Missing out on the coolest events in Dubai? We know where you’ll be in November: The Crowd Test Festival — the very first Art and Music Festival by The Sandy Times.

The lineup is incredible: Mainline Magic Orchestra from Spain, Eden Burns from New Zealand, and a lot of your favourite DJs like Hani J, Hassan Alwan, Bazzzuk, and more.

Mark your calendar, snag your tickets, and get ready: November 16, 2024, from 5 PM to 3 AM at Monkey Bar, Dubai.

by Barbara Yakimchuk