Islamic Calligraphy From Around World on Display

DUBAI (KI) -- Calligraphic works by artists from around the globe can be viewed throughout Dubai in the city’s first ever calligraphy biennale.

Staged by the Dubai Culture and Arts, it runs until Oct. 31 and celebrates the art form’s diverse beauty and varieties of calligraphy from across the world.
The biennale makes use of venues across the city of Dubai so that local residents and visitors can view calligraphic art in its various traditional and contemporary renditions.

“By hosting this event, Dubai showcases its dedication to preserving and promoting the art of calligraphy and cements its position as a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent,” Fatma al-Qurashi told Arab News. “The biennale testifies to the power of art in bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding among people from different backgrounds. Additionally, it underscores the global significance of Arabic calligraphy as an art form that transcends boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences worldwide.”

The biennale comprises 19 exhibitions across more than 35 locations in Dubai featuring calligraphy utilizing eight languages by artists from across the world, including from the Middle East, Africa, the Americas and Asia.
Also taking place as part of the biennale is the 11th edition of the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition at the Etihad Museum, showcasing over 75 artworks crafted by around 50 calligraphers from 17 nationalities and organized by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Dubai Collection and Art Dubai.

“The biennale holds immense importance for the art world by serving as a dynamic platform that highlights the evolution of calligraphy beyond tradition into a vibrant and contemporary art form,” al-Qurashi said.
The biennale, she stressed, is ultimately about fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
“The biennale encourages cross-cultural dialogue through the universal language of calligraphy, getting artists and audiences to explore the intersections of different cultures and traditions,” she told Arab News. “This event elevates the profile of calligraphy as a powerful medium for artistic expression on the global stage, demonstrating that it is a living, evolving art form. Ultimately, the biennale enriches the art world by showcasing calligraphy’s versatility and enduring relevance in contemporary society.”