Sharjah 24: In preparation for the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, which will commence on 2 October under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 11th edition will honour three pioneers in Arabic calligraphy. They are: 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 honourees will be showcased in solo exhibitions at the Calligraphy Square in the heart of Sharjah on the first day of the opening. The three exhibitions will continue to display the calligraphic works to the public throughout the biennial’s duration.
Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, stated: "The biennial has always drawn its success from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, which aims to focus on culture and the arts as fundamental pillars in building civilisations and societies. The biennial's international reach confirms these profound visions, as it strives to embody them in an effort to translate His Highness's approach and insights."
Al Qaseer added: "Honouring innovators in calligraphy and this universal art, which combines unique meaning and eloquence, is a continuation of the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and maintains the biennial’s mission to celebrate creators of this authentic art form. In this edition, three distinguished individuals will be honoured for their notable contributions to Arabic calligraphy, both in practice and in research and documentation."
The Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial continued: "Two decades of work since the biennial's establishment in 2004 have seen it continue its engagement with innovators, reaching its eleventh edition and launching new ideas and innovations, with Arabic script drawing on its profound historical heritage for its aesthetic and meaning."
Regarding the current edition of the biennial, Al Qaseer said: "This edition features a series of group and solo exhibitions, meticulously curated by a number of artists with professional expertise. This is evident in the general exhibition, which presents diverse works in original calligraphy by artists from around the world, as well as other exhibitions such as contemporary shows and the 'In Love with the UAE' exhibition, where Emirati calligraphers showcase works reflecting their love for the homeland."
He added: "The biennial will also include the 'Reviving Scripts' exhibition, which revisits forgotten scripts, while Turkish artist Davut Bektas and Iranian artist Sadegh Shafiee will present their solo exhibitions, with Bektas's titled 'Golden Letters' and Shafiee's 'Notations on the Pen', alongside a rich participation from several local institutions."
The Cultural Affairs Department will hold a press conference to announce all the details of the biennial’s current edition on the 30th of this month at the Department of Culture headquarters in Sharjah.
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