Diverse Artistic Display
Eleven students from the "Arabic Calligraphy and Arts House" Association in Damascus presented the results of their artistic training at an exhibition hosted by the association's headquarters today, Tuesday. The exhibition included 22 calligraphic works that reflected the skills and techniques they acquired in classical and contemporary calligraphy arts, and their ability to employ Arabic letters in diverse compositional and aesthetic formations.
Comprehensive Training Curriculum
The chairman of the association's board of directors, visual artist Reem Qabtan, stated in a statement to SANA that the exhibition is the culmination of the training courses organized by the association, each lasting approximately seven months. Participants learn the fundamentals of Ruq'ah, Diwani, Naskh, and Quranic Kufic scripts, following a curriculum that integrates traditional methods with contemporary visual trends.
Qabtan added that training begins with the basics of holding the reed pen, progressing to shaping letters, adjusting their proportions and measurements, and finally connecting letters and mastering artistic compositions. She pointed out that the distribution of certificates and holding the exhibition represent the first step in a path that requires continuous research and practice.
Artistic Support and Future Expansions
She noted the association's commitment to supporting trainees with symbolic fees and providing opportunities to market their works, the proceeds of which will help secure new production supplies. She highlighted that the courses target age groups of 16 years and above, in addition to a special section for children aged 6 to 12 to improve handwriting and develop skills, with aspirations to expand participation in Arab exhibitions outside Syria.
Distinctive Artistic Experiences
For her part, Tunisian participant Raja Benhadjel Mamghali, who holds a master's degree in Arabic language, expressed her pride in this experience, which allowed her to learn about Arabic calligraphy schools and techniques. She participated with a work featuring poetic verses praising her homeland, Tunisia, and Damascus.
The exhibited works varied between Quranic verses, poetic verses, and letter formations. Reem Shihadeh stood out with a striking red color in executing Quranic verses, while Maha Mukhib presented works that integrated gold, bronze, and silver leaves on canvas for poetic verses. Rania Qutaash presented a Diwani calligraphy work featuring a poetic verse about roses, in calm colors that harmonize with the text's content.
The exhibition comes within the association's efforts to preserve the art of Arabic calligraphy, spread its culture, and enhance its presence as one of the fundamental components of Arab cultural and aesthetic identity.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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