In pictures: Sheikh Zayed’s poem and Quranic verses create stunning abayas and jewelery at calligraphy exhibition in Dubai – News

Some of the country’s best calligraphers gather for the first event of its kind.

If you think of beautiful writing on paper when you think of calligraphy, think again. Ancient Arabic art, celebrated as part of a first-of-its-kind, month-long biennale in Dubai, is adding excitement to abayas, jewelry and fabrics.

The inaugural Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, which runs until the end of October, will bring together some of the country’s best calligraphers in more than 19 exhibitions across 35 venues.

Historically, calligraphy was used to adorn architecture and personal objects, but later became an instrument of artistic expression and visual communication. Today he continues to train several creative disciples.

At the exhibition held at Al Safa Art and Design Library, there were several exhibits that promised art lovers:

This dress, titled pearl, is the brainchild of Sister Hessa and Fatma Ali Aljoker. Working with renowned calligrapher Diaa Allam, the sisters got a poem by the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, crafted into this beautiful white dress.

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Calligraphy in jewelry resulted in some stunning designs. This black ring has verses from the opening Surah (chapter) of the Holy Quran: Sura Al Fatiha — carved in silver.

This gem, the Maktoub bracelet — is described as “organized chaos” by designer Nadine Kanso. Part of the Bilarabi collection and reflects architectural designs in the form of different letters of different heights.

This dress designed by Areen is titled The representation of paradise. It features an abstract geometric calligraphy pattern, rather than letters, and explores the concept of paradise between cultures.

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For artist and fashion designer Feryal Albastaki, the exhibition was a way to express her appreciation for calligraphy. She has combined a painting of hers with the literary work of renowned Emirati poet Ousha al Suwaidi to create a spectacular jalabiya.

The regular abaya was elevated to works of art with calligraphy. Designer Shatha Essa has created an extraordinary collection called Art Letters which reflects the beauty of Arabic calligraphy.

Emirati artist Amna AlBanna exhibited five different types of fabrics, inspired by the aesthetics of brushstroke and calligraphy.

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