Arabic calligraphy, with its intricate strokes and flowing curves, has captured the imagination of people worldwide. This ancient art form boasts a rich history that intertwines with the cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage of the Arab world. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore the allure of Arabic calligraphy.
History of Arabic Calligraphy
The roots of Arabic calligraphy can be traced all the way back to the 7th century CE. During the early phases of Arabic calligraphy, techniques varied greatly and there was no standardized procedure. Eventually, a standardised system was introduced by Abu Ali Muhammad Ibn Ali Ibn Muqla — better known simply as Ibn Muqla. Ibn Muqla was a prominent vizier and master calligrapher of the Abbasid Caliphate. He introduced a system for Arabic calligraphy that would ensure that the letters within a script were all proportional to each other.
This procedure began by drawing the letter alif. Alif is the first letter of the Arabic language and resembles a straight vertical line. The length of the letter Alif would be determined based on which Arabic calligraphy script you were following. For example, with the Thuluth script, you would place 7 rhomboid dots on the sheet using your pen nib - each dot is stacked directly one below the other. The length of the letter Alif has to then match the length of the stacked rhomboid dots. The exact number of rhomboid dots used to determine the length of the Alif varies depending on which Arabic calligraphy script you follow. An imaginary circle is then drawn around this Alif (so that the diameter of the circle is equal to the length of the Alif). This imaginary circle is then used to determine the proportions of all the other letters in the script.
The art of Arabic calligraphy demands precision, skill, and patience. The calligrapher's hand movements and the pressure applied to the pen determine the thickness and fluidity of the strokes. Mastery of this art form requires years of practice, and aspiring calligraphers often undergo rigorous training under experienced masters.
Contemporary Arabic Calligraphy Wall Art
Arabic calligraphy's influence has not been confined to its place of origin; it has transcended geographical boundaries and continues to inspire artists worldwide. The art form has experienced a modern revival, with contemporary artists blending traditional calligraphy techniques with modern mediums. For instance, many contemporary artists paint Arabic calligraphy artwork on canvases.
Arabic calligraphy paintings on canvas are a great way to incorporate this ancient art form into your home or office space. Indeed, Arabic calligraphy paintings can add a touch of elegance, cultural significance, and artistic beauty to your home or office space. The graceful intricacy of Arabic calligraphy wall art creates a sense of harmony and balance, making it a captivating addition to any space. These unique artworks can spark intriguing conversations with visitors, offering an opportunity to share cultural insights and engage in meaningful discussions about art and history.
If you reside in Dubai and are looking to purchase Arabic calligraphy art, you will find that there are online art shops in Dubai where you can easily browse through pieces. For instance, Artezaar.com is a Dubai-based online art gallery that has a collection dedicated to Arabic calligraphy paintings. Click here to view Artezaar.com’s collection of Arabic calligraphy art. Let’s take a look at some of the stunning Arabic calligraphy art pieces that are part of Artezaar’s extensive catalogue:
Hasbunallahu Wa Ni'mal Wakeel
This stunning Arabic calligraphy wall art piece is a perfect example of how contemporary calligraphy artists blend tradition with modern techniques. This is a digital art print that features traditional Arabic calligraphy alongside abstract geometric elements. This piece is perfect if you want to incorporate traditional Arabic calligraphy into your home while still maintaining a modern artistic feel.
The Arabic calligraphy script is the central focal point of this splendid artwork. In the background, the artist has skilfully placed abstract geometric shapes to add a sense of dynamism and vibrancy. Each of the shapes is a bold and bright color including red, blue, yellow, pink and orange. This vibrant art piece will surely be a great conversation starter during gatherings.
Click here to view Hasbunallahu Wa Ni'mal Wakeel.
Al Amal
This art piece was inspired by the launch of UAE’s ‘Hope Probe’, which was the UAE’s first interplanetary probe. In Arabic, the probe is referred to as ‘Al Amal’ (‘Amal’ translates to hope in Arabic). In this marvelous art piece, the artist has painted the word ‘Amal’ in Arabic calligraphy script. The soft blue background of this painting coupled with the graceful Arabic calligraphy gives it a serene aura.
The artist has also painted a horse in this piece to further build on the theme of hope. Horses symbolise great strength and resiliency, and hope is often the driving force behind such strength. All of us draw strength from hope during tough times, and hope can help us overcome problems that may seem impossible to solve at first. The power of hope is the overall message behind this artwork.
Click here to view Al Amal.
In conclusion, Arabic calligraphy stands as a testament to the beauty of human expression. Its intricate artistry, deeply rooted history and harmonious integration into various cultural contexts make it a treasure that continues to inspire generations to come. As we explore the allure of Arabic calligraphy, let us appreciate the skill and dedication of the calligraphers who carry forward this timeless art form. Buy Arabic calligraphy art today and add a touch of cultural vibrancy to your home.
Blog post written by Artezaar.com Guest Blogger Shreya Alagramam
