The beautiful art of calligraphy forms an encapsulating artistic bridge between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Spain
From Seville to Bahrain
The beautiful art of calligraphy forms an encapsulating artistic bridge between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Spain
By Anaam Ikram
D efined as“ the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious, and skillful manner”, calligraphy is the distinctive writing manner that has been part of both art, culture, and religion for centuries. From Biblical to Islamic scripture, to being used as a specialized style of writing that serve as a decorative way of sending a special message, calligraphy and its various forms are a spectacular art form that has seen a beautiful evolution over time. For some, the traditional calligraphy in its purest form is a masterpiece, and for others the more contemporary calligraphic style of writing represents a modern take on a traditional art. For those of us within the region who have been exposed to mostly the beauty and special nature of Islamic Calligraphy, the writing style holds a truly special meaning. Highlighting the importance and unique beauty of Islamic calligraphy through their combined exhibit, celebrated Orientalist artist, Elisabeth Bolza, and renowned Bahraini, artist Ebrahim Busa’ ad, carefully curated a stunning exhibition,“ Bolza Busaad- From Seville to Muharraq”, and explore the connection between the East and the West through a series of collage works. Opening to a great reception, their exhibit came at a perfect time, as Muharraq is marked as the Capital of Islamic Culture 2018.
Islamic Calligraphy- also known as Arabic Calligraphy- is originally based on Arabic letters, but the term‘ Islamic Calligraphy’ also refers to the collective works of calligraphy by the Muslim calligraphers from Andalusia in modern Spain to China. The signature design of Islamic calligraphy is the geometric Islamic art, or‘ arabesque’, patterns on the walls and ceilings of mosques as well on paper. For the Muslim world, calligraphy has always represented the visual expression, with almost a spiritual connotation, as it is somehow a link between the language of Islam and its practitioners. The combined exhibit by Elisabeth and Ebrahim is a fine example of the influence of Arabic calligraphy, as it showcases their artwork that draws inspiration from the Islamic legacy, heritage, and architecture of Islam, from different viewpoints, but sharing the common denominator- the illuminated manuscript- portrayed in both a traditional and contemporary form.
28 Perle SPRING 2018