Arabic Calligraphy

I am fascinated with what can be done with type and obviously I am exposed to what is created based on conventions and styles of the Western world. However, there is another world out there worth exploring, one that has a similar appreciation for design and composition but that offers very different results. In this case I am talking about Arabic calligraphy as art.

This piece from Tour Egypt’s web site is an example of turning calligraphy into forms, which is common in art in the Arabic world. Whether the image takes a form, or is simply ornate glyphs, there is definitely an appreciation for expressing meanings artistically.

I love the bold, broad, curved strokes in these images, especially the elephant on the right. Combined with the smaller elements, the whole somehow possesses a regal quality. Beautiful work.

This horse depicts a poem. You can learn more about it here. Obviously there are cultural and language barriers, but at least we can recognize a similar appreciation of form.

While this piece in red doesn’t take the form of an object or creature, it clearly has a nice design aesthetic. Not only that, the texture of the strokes, themselves, provides a serene character. You can view more like this here.

Looking at what makes a compelling image from another culture is a great way of broadening our horizons. I think that as designers we have an obligation to know as much about other people, culture and technology as possible, especially in this ever-shrinking world.

In one of my other posts I showed some examples of contemporary graffit. Going in line with mixing cultures, the above image shows an Arabic calligraphy but in a style more associated with Western graffiti. This piece is by A1one. Below is another one, perhaps both artistic and political, by Tunisian artist el Seed.

In summary what we are seeing is a combination of familiar ideas, uses and aesthetics (although words and composition being read from right to left, where applicable), but from a different culture and with different results. Very enlightening.