Archive for August 2016

eL-Seed, “This is just a phrase in Arabic”, 2013

Calligraffiti

By: F.K. Art Intern Nimah Bhura

Calligraffiti is an art form that combines calligraphy, typography, and graffiti. It can be categorized under abstract expressionism and is meant to send its audience a particular message about society or the artist. It is the use of letters, words, and phrases to produce a stunning visual image. One of the best calligraffiti artists is named eL-Seed.

eL-Seed is a French-Tunisian street artist who is inspired by the work and courage of the Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish and Iraqi artist Sundus Abdul-Hadi. His first large scale mural was following the Tunisian revolution; it was a passage from a Tunisian poem that represented all those who struggled against injustice. Graffiti, unlike other forms of art, can reach anyone and everyone, which is why eL-Seed has always leans towards it; he hopes to inspire creativity through his own.

Muhammad Aerosol is a British calligraffiti artist who describes himself as an “urban spiritual artist”. As early as 14, he began doing illegal graffiti, it wasn’t until his early 20s that he decided to stop creating art without permission. Although is art is inspired by Islam it isn’t limited to Muslims. Muhammad Aerosol makes art that sends a message about the transformation of society into a united community that is recognized by people of all faiths.

Author’s Bio: I am a High School student just trying to learn more about art. I own 5 galleries and over 100 pieces of my work are featured all over the world— I wish. I am just trying to communicate a message to anyone who will listen, even if that is just my parents.

Horseshoe Arch of the Mosque of Córdoba

The Horseshoe Arch of the Mosque of Córdoba

By: F.K. Art Intern Nimah Bhura

Historically, mosques have been the home to many forms of calligraphy. Their entrances and ceilings are embellished with great works of Arabic calligraphy. A prime example is the Mosque of Córdoba in Spain. The most prominent and famous section of the mosque is its horseshoe opening to the mihrab. Built by Al-Hakam II, the horseshoe is enhanced with Arabic calligraphy.

The horseshoe arch is enclosed in a large rectangular frame, in which Quranic verses are written. The calligraphy is done in the Kufic script and is written in gold ink on a blue background, which makes it stand out from all the detailed work around it. Surrounding the actual arch are fan like mosaics of bold colors which draw people towards the mihrab. The Mosque of Córdoba is among the greatest mosques in the world.

Author’s Bio: I am a High School student just trying to learn more about art. I own 5 galleries and over 100 pieces of my work are featured all over the world— I wish. I am just trying to communicate a message to anyone who will listen, even if that is just my parents.

Mohamed Zakariya, Eid Stamp

Mohamed Zakariya

By: F.K. Art Intern Nimah Bhura

Who is Mohamed Zakariya? In the simplest terms, he is an American master of Arabic calligraphy. As a convert who grew up in Southern California and accepted Islam in Morocco, his interest of Arabic calligraphy spiked at the age of 19. With no formal education, he made a name for himself through extensive experience. Eventually, he was able to earn two licenses in Islamic calligraphy, and was the first westerner to do so.

            He is most famously known for his “Eid Greetings” U.S. postage stamps. However, he showcases his skill in his detailed and magnificent works of the hilya, writing of Hadith, ayat, and poetry. He also does his own illumination, or embellishment of a manuscript. The texts he uses are not blindly chosen, but are those that speak to his view of life and tell a personal story. Above all, Mohamed Zakariya is man who vows never to create a boring work.

Author’s Bio: I am a High School student just trying to learn more about art. I own 5 galleries and over 100 pieces of my work are featured all over the world— I wish. I am just trying to communicate a message to anyone who will listen, even if that is just my parents.

Close-up of a portion of the calligraphy on the south gateway of the Taj Mahal

The Splendor of the Taj Mahal

By: F.K. Art Intern Nimah Bhura

Have you ever associated calligraphy with the Taj Mahal? Most people realize it to be a place of majestic beauty, however they are unaware of the Arabic calligraphy inscribed on it. The exquisite Arabic calligraphy contributes to why the Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The man thought to be responsible for the design and choice of the calligraphy is Amnat Khan.

The boldest example of calligraphy on the Taj Mahal is that of the south gateway and main mausoleum. The lettering, which is in the thuluth script, is written with black marble and sits on white borders, which creates a sense of marvel. It’s remarkably eye-catching, beckoning people to enter the Taj Mahal. The incredible splendor of the Taj Mahal was achieved through the addition of calligraphy, making it eternally great.

Author’s Bio: I am a High School student just trying to learn more about art. I own 5 galleries and over 100 pieces of my work are featured all over the world– I wish. I am just trying to communicate a message to anyone who will listen, even if that’s just my parents.

Have you ever wondered why Islamic art includes so many aspects of nature? Why floral designs dominate mosques all over the world? Islamic art is highly influenced by the descriptions of paradise in the Qura’n. Heaven represents an unseen beauty that artists only try to portray through their art. The exquisite architecture and art of the Islamic world is meant to remind a believer of the paradise that is yet to come.

Courtyard of the Mosque of Cordoba

Gardens are not only seen in the patterns within the walls and carpets of the mosque, but also in its exterior. They are used to represent the serenity and peace of Islam, as well as paradise. Islamic art and architecture include alluring and symbolic designs that are used to remind believers of the reward that awaits them.

Written By: F.K. Art Studio Intern Nimah Bhura