Jeddah’s oldest school, Al Falah, recently showcased the “Dar Al-Qalam Residency Program” exhibition, highlighting modern Arabic calligraphy. This exhibition featured works from an artist-in-residency program operated by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy, a project under the Saudi Ministry of Culture.
Overview of the Residency Program
The residency program spanned eight weeks and united both Saudi and international artists. Its intent was to delve into contemporary Arabic calligraphy, examining four core themes:
- Traditional roots of Arabic calligraphy
- Companion arts associated with calligraphy
- Contemporary practices in the field
- Future innovations in Arabic calligraphy
Abdelrahman El-Shahed served as the exhibition’s curator, alongside assistant curator Layal Al-Gain. The participating artists included:
- Om Kalthoom
- Budor Alyafie Al-Alawi
- Bushra Al-Kebsi
- Rafiq Ullah Khan
- Zainab Al-Sabba
- Somaya Al-Sayed
- Laya Al-Kaff
- Mustafa Al-Arab
- Hind Djafer
- Yomna Ayman
Transformative Artistic Experience
Layal Al-Gain emphasized the program’s role in providing artists with a transformative opportunity. By residing in Jeddah’s historical area, artists benefited from mentorship, production support, and curatorial expertise. This gathering of artists, from diverse backgrounds such as art, photography, design, and architecture, showcased their collective passion for Arabic calligraphy.
Residency activities included:
- Practical workshops
- Critique sessions
- Lectures and research
- Field visits
- Meetings with experts
Artist Perspectives
Saudi artist Om Kalthoom reflected on her experience, stating, “This residency is remarkable because it centers on Arabic calligraphy.” She emphasized the historical context’s profound impact on her work, titled “Beyond the Light,” which encourages viewers to connect with Arabic letters.
Laya Al-Kaff expressed the significance of Arabic calligraphy as more than just text, viewing it as a distinct form of visual expression. She noted that the program enabled her to integrate her previous education in dentistry with her artistic pursuits.
Rafiqullah Khan shared his excitement about participating in the residency. He remarked on the rich environment of Al-Balad, influencing his artwork. Bahraini artist Zainab Al-Sabaa expressed inspiration from Jeddah’s heritage, reflecting the program’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives.
Cultural Impact and Future Directions
The Dar Al-Qalam Residency Program plays a vital role in supporting the artistic community and elevating traditional art forms within contemporary discourse. By fostering artistic research and promoting cultural identity, it contributes significantly to Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape.
