In honor of World Calligraphy Day on Aug. 10, we take a look at six masters of the art form.
Ruh Al-Alam
A British artist of Bangladeshi descent, contemporary calligrapher Al-Alam studied design at Central Saint Martins in London. After graduating, he spent several years in Cairo learning Arabic and studying calligraphy with esteemed teachers.Majid Al-Yousef
Dubai-based Iraqi calligraphy artist Majid Al-Yousef previously told Arab News artists should learn the basics of calligraphy before pursuing the art form professionally. “Because otherwise we end up — like the situation now — with a lot of practice, but very low-quality outwork,” he explained.Wissam Shawkat
Iraqi artist Wissam Shawkat trained as a civil engineer before switching careers and diving into life as a calligraphy artist.Samir Sayegh
Sayegh’s art, although based on individual letters or words, has little to do with language or meaning — it is purely aesthetic and captures the viewer with its dynamic forms.Taha Al-Hiti
The Iraqi artist creates mesmerizing works and previously told Arab News that “calligraphy requires a lot of practice, mixed with the talent and character of the calligrapher.”eL Seed
Tunisian French artist eL Seed is known for his large-scale, contemporary works that adorn entire neighborhoods and buildings around the world.
