Exhibition
8 September – 27 October 2006
Modern Arabic Calligraphic Designs by
Nihad Dukhan
Blessed among the crafts, Arabic calligraphy possesses an emotive appeal and a visual impact that captivates and invites the viewer to meditation. It is generally rooted in the sacred and is a celebration of the divine. Dr. Dukhan’s fascination with the Arabic language, written and spoken, started when he was in grade school. He has been training himself in all the classical styles of Arabic calligraphy by imitating the works of many master calligraphers. In 1998, he became a student of the noted Istanbul master calligrapher Hasan Celibi in Thuluth and Naskh style and recently, of master calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya in Ta’aliq style. Although inspired by, and occasionally resembling some of the classical styles of Arabic calligraphy, the modern look of his designs is achieved through innovation guided by artistic sensibility and a certain quality of pursuing the form. His designs are highly stylized, but remain legible, and offer a fresh rendering of the Arabic letters.
