Symphony of scripts: Calligraphers make their mark in Dammam exhibition

DHAHRAN: In the heart of Dammam, the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts is hosting a calligraphy art exhibition titled “The Pulse of Ink,” showcasing works of the Qatif Calligraphy Group.

Art enthusiasts and curious minds alike have until Jan. 20 to explore works by renowned calligraphy and ornamentation artists, including some as young as 12-years-old.

To complement the exhibition, the Qatif Calligraphy Group has organized a series of engaging activities, including workshops for aspiring calligraphers.

The first workshop was presented by 14-year-old Hussein Bazaroun, who has been practicing calligraphy for two and a half years.

Bazroun’s passion and dedication to the craft are a source of inspiration for young and aspiring artists alike.

Additional workshops will focus on Diwani script, led by calligrapher Ali Al-Khuwaildi, and Ruq’ah script, taught by his fellow calligrapher, Hassan Al-Radwan.

Among the showcased talents is 12-year-old calligrapher Ali Al-Kadhim, a prodigy who has been perfecting his craft for just over a year and a half. His talent is a testament to the group’s mission to promote and preserve the ancient art of Arabic calligraphy.

The exhibition also features a diverse range of pieces, each a captivating blend of intricate lines, curves and ornaments that seem to dance across the page.

The calligraphy group’s goals are diverse and far-reaching. By hosting workshops, exhibitions and lectures, they promote Arabic calligraphy as an Islamic and artistic art form, while also supporting local artists and enriching the cultural landscape of Qatif.

Through competitions and showcases, they are creating a new generation of calligraphers to carry forward the tradition.

For Al-Khuwaildi, vice president of the calligraphy group, calligraphy is more than just a hobby — it is a refuge, a source of comfort and a means of creative expression.

“I fell in love with calligraphy in elementary school, and it evolved from a hobby into a refuge throughout my life,” he told Arab News.

“Whenever life gets overwhelming, I return to it like a bird to its nest.” His words reflect the therapeutic power of calligraphy, which requires patience, dedication and a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between letters, lines and spaces.

Hassan Al-Bashrawi, secretary of the calligraphy group, highlighted the unique appeal of Arabic calligraphy: “It combines two key aesthetic qualities: Artistic construction and meaningful values reflecting Islamic civilization and Arab heritage.”

Al-Bashrawi’s own journey as a calligrapher has been marked by intense study, practice and collaboration with fellow artists. Through his work, he is building a strong foundation for renewal, drawing inspiration from both ancient resources and contemporary artists.

For Muna Al-Muhanna, a talented artist featuring her first piece in the exhibition, the experience is nothing short of exhilarating.

“My feelings were a mix of the joy of accomplishment and pride in creating something in remembrance of Allah, the Most High,” she said.

Capturing the essence of the ancient art form, she added: “It separates me from the tangible world and immerses me in a realm of beauty represented by calligraphy.”

At the Qatif Calligraphy Group’s exhibition in Dammam, visitors will be treated to a visual feast of intricate scripts, majestic ornaments and heartfelt expressions of creativity.

In an era where technology dominates our daily lives, this celebration of Arabic calligraphy serves as a reminder of the beauty, spirituality and timelessness of handwritten art.

Whether you are an art lover or history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of language, the exhibition is sure to leave you in awe of the magic that happens when pen meets paper.