JEDDAH: A three-day exhibition showcasing more than 100 pieces of Islamic calligraphy was recently held at the Indian Consulate in Jeddah.
The Siasat Indian Islamic Calligraphy and contemporary Islamic Art Exhibition “Visual Dhikr” by Younus M. Hafiz was organized by the Consulate General of India in association with Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN).
The exhibition showcased works of artists including Nayeem Saberi, Faheem Saberi, Lateef Farooqui, Syed Viquaruddin, Mohammad Mazheruddin and Naseer Sultan, and was sponsored by Air India.
Indian Consul General Mohammad Noor Rahman Sheikh, said at the inauguration: “Calligraphy has been an integral part of India’s Islamic traditions. Calligraphy in India has evolved over centuries to acquire its own unique characteristics.”
He said the event aims to cultivate an interest in learning more about the Indo-Islamic calligraphy tradition, and that Islamic calligraphy and related art work is in great demand in the international market.
“It is hoped that the Indian calligraphy exhibition will enable people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to become more aware of the history and development of calligraphy in India.”
Siasat Editor Zahid Ali Khan, Consul General Bangladesh F.M. Borhan Uddin, Thai Consul General Thanis N. Songkklaa, and Managing Director Siasat Art Gallery Zaheeruddin Ali Khan were also present at the event.
“The idea is to bring calligraphy back to life and simultaneously generate employment,” said Zahid, adding housewives are being guided and given opportunities of coming up with innovative ideas of calligraphy with their wit and will. He said their skill has allowed the art form to take a fresh turn.
Zaheeruddin said Siasat Gallery is ready to provide training to the students of Hyderabad, and his institution will consider if any proposal of cooperation surfaces. He added that India has the potential to emerge as an international hub of Islamic art and calligraphy.
Dr. Mohammed Nurul Hasan, Consul Commerce, appreciated the work of artists who came all the way from India, saying that SIBN wished to keep the unique art of calligraphy alive as it was an important way of expressing the true respect and love for Islam.
Consular Anand Kumar said Islamic calligraphy was a symbol of representing unity, beauty and power.
“Calligraphy is art which involves the coordination of the brain, eyes and hands. It combines knowledge with skill. Calligraphy is flourishing not only in Islamic nations, but also in Western and European countries,” said Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, general secretary SIBN.