BAYT AL FANN QUARTERLY
Issue 2: The Art of the Word
In this issue of Bayt Al Fann Quarterly, we explore the written word, unveiling its visual splendor and intrinsic beauty.
On these pages, discover the artistic richness and diversity of calligraphy in Islamic art, and see how language and poetry transform from mere communication into visual masterpieces.​
The Qur’an, God's revelations to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was conveyed in the eloquent and poetic language of Arabic. This language, with its intricate and flowing script, offers endless possibilities for ornamental forms, weaving together words and artistry.
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Calligraphy – the revered art of writing – stands as a hallmark of Islamic art, showcased in astonishingly varied and imaginative ways. The written word transcends pen and paper, embellishing a myriad of art forms and materials, often resulting in works of profound beauty and spiritual resonance.​
Artists harness the unique potential of the Arabic script, transforming entire words into what appear to be random brushstrokes or single letters into intricate decorative knots. Esteemed calligraphic works on paper are often adorned with decorative frames or backgrounds, enhancing their visual appeal. Calligraphy can seamlessly integrate into broader ornamental schemes, distinct yet harmonious with other decorative elements.​
The genius of Islamic calligraphy lies not only in its endless creativity and versatility but also in the delicate balance calligraphers achieve between conveying a text and expressing its profound meaning through a formal aesthetic code. Language and poetry intertwine, reflecting the depth and beauty of Muslim cultures.
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Thank you to the incredible artists, creatives and experts who have contributed to this issue.
As we anticipate future issues, filled with more stories, insights, and possibilities, thank you for being a part of the Bayt Al Fann community.
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FEATURED CREATIVES
& CONTENTS
Harmony in Diversity, Maaida Noor Website: maaidanoor.com
Reimagining Kufic, Asie Raeiszade Instagram: @raeiszadeasie
Calligraformism, Wissam Shawkat Website: wissamshawkat.com
Redefining Calligraphy, Hatem Arafa Website: hatemarafa.com
Art & Communities, el Seed Website: elseed-art.com
Sacred Texts, Shafina Ali Instagram: @islamicartgallery
Chinese Strokes, Haji Noor Deen Website: hajinoordeen.com
From Indonesia to Istanbul Mastering Calligraphy, Shahryanshah Sirajuddin Instagram: @shahryanshah
Immersive Calligraffiti, Kareemgraphy Website kareemgraphy.com
A Sea of Ink, Fatima Taher Jewad Website: fatimaink.com
Connecting Through Script, Aadil Abedi Website aadilabedi.com
Preserving Islamic Tradition, Osman Al-Qahtani Instagram: @osama_art3
Musicalligraphy, Dr Bahman Panahi Website: bahmanpanahi.com
Redefining Tradition, Negmedine Khaled Instagram: @negmedine
Deconstructing Calligraphy, Sasan Nasernia Website: nasernia.com
Abstract Arabic, Majid Alyousef Website: majidalyousef.com
Architecture & Calligraphy, Naseeba Khader Instagram: @naseeba.khader
A Journey Through Islamic Calligraphy, Sehar Shehzad Website: seharshahzad.com
Painting Poetry, Hassan Massoudy Instagram: @hassanmassoudy
Vibrant Futures, Zahra Gulraiz Website: zahragulraiz.com
Mastering the Word, Josh Berer Website: arabiccalligrapher.com
The Art of Language, Wael Almahdi Instagram: @words.from.the.east
Stories of the East, Doa Bugis Website: https://salla.sa/doabugis
Calligraphy & Heritage, Shazia Daud Instagram: @createdbyshazia
The Beauty of Persian Calligraphy, Hooria Sariri Instagram: @hooriiart
Peace in Words, Mohamad Badenjki Instagram: @mohamad_badenjki
Challenging Tradition, Ghaleb Hawila Instagram: @ghalebhawila
The Architecture of Calligraphy, Hammad Haider Instagram: @nk.sketcher
Letters in Gold, Aicha Hassan Coowar Instagram: @aii_cha13/
Serenity in Words, Aini Butt Instagram: @art_by_aini/
A Journey Through Maghrabi Kufic Script, Mohammed Abouzaid Instagram: @abouzaid_art/
Love of Letters, Ilhem Belabou Instagram: @calligraphy_ib
Curating & Calligraphy, Shazia Rashid Osman Instagram: @rashidaart1
Reflections in Kufic, Heba Alshehhi Website: hands-art-studio.com
Soulful Strokes, Aatif Jutt Website: aatifstudio.com
Art as Activism, Teakster Instagram: @teakster_art
Sculpting Script, Shahida Ahmed Instagram: @shahida.ahmed_art
Languages are a Sea of Borrowed Words, Sana A. Rashid Instagram:@sana.a.rashid
Weaving Words, Rezia Wahid Website: reziawahid.com
Flowering Spirit of Japanese Islamicate Art, Dr. Naoki Yamamoto Instagram: @japaneseislamicateart
Abstract Calligraphy, Sumaira Mohammed Ashik Instagram: @sumaira_arts
A Journey to Chinese Arabic, Imam Soleh Yu Jin Xue Instagram: @solehyucalligraphy
The God Equation, Taher Adel Website: taheradel.com