The Sharjah Museums Authority has collaborated with the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia to host an exhibition of modern Arabic calligraphy taking place later this month. ‘Beyond the Letter: Modern Arabic Calligraphy from the collection of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia’ features a stunning selection of 27 works of calligraphy chosen from their collection.
The show, which will take place at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization from March 28th to June 23rd, will highlight calligraphy as not only a visual art form, but also its ability to convey deep intellectual messages through fascinating and intricate symbols.
The display will coincide with the annual Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial and will include a variety of styles and techniques captured in calligraphy created by some of the Islamic art world’s best modern artists. Visitors will be able to experience outstanding works that have been created to reflect the entangled forces of nature, the waves of the sea, rooted plants, the order of the universe and the heavenly forces of nature.
This is second time the Sharjah Museums Authority has worked with the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) and follows 2016’s ‘Rhythm and Verse – Persian Calligraphy’ exhibit. ‘Beyond the Letter’ which is co-curated by the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization in collaboration with the IAMM, will appeal to calligraphy fans and art lovers as well as visitors to the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennale.
Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, said: “Sharjah Museums Authority is delighted to once again be working with the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
“By choosing to exhibit works by major calligraphy artists from the IAMM’s collection, the Sharjah Museums Authority continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to supporting artists from across the Islamic world by providing the platform to display their works and expand the appreciation of this distinctive visual culture inspired by Islam.”
Dr Heba Barakat, Head of Curatorial, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, said: “‘Beyond the Letter’ represents the second time the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia has exhibited some of its most important works in the UAE.
“We are thrilled to once again be working so closely with the Sharjah Museums Authority to be showcasing so many examples of calligraphy created by 13 artists from 4 countries.
“Calligraphy as an art form is constantly evolving and growing. Modern artists are able to express themselves in a multitude of new and different ways. We are sure fans of traditional calligraphy as well as modern art lovers will be impressed by the range and standard of works on show.”
