Emirati art polymath Mattar Bin Lahej’s works pay tribute to Arabic
- 23 Oct 2023
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Emirati sculptor, painter and photographer Mattar Bin Lahej has thrown open to the public a riveting solo exhibition of his works at his eponymous gallery in Al Wasl, Dubai.
Titled Tawthiq: Manifestation of Creative Contemplation, it showcases (till Oct. 31) unique sculptures and innovative artworks that celebrate classical Arabic calligraphy. The exhibition offers 21 works that attest to Bin Lahej’s creativity, no less his versatile techniques. The master artist’s mural series — among the exhibits — demonstrates his proficiency in the Thuluth script and shows the vitality and adaptability of Arabic letters. It also explores the human connection to natural elements such as water, soil, fire, metal, wood and air. The collection additionally presents a series of sculptures that reflect Bin Lahej’s deep affection for the Arabic language, as seen in pieces such as Al Dorror, inspired by ancient astronomy, a sculpture dedicated to the UAE’s national anthem using the ‘Mattar Font’ (his individual creation), and Maqamat Al Ebdaa, which indicates artistic fantasy.
Further, there is an art piece titled The Engine, inspired by the original Rolls Royce engine. Visitors can take a close look at a collection of miniatures, including the objet d’art The Calligraphy Clock, symbolising the passage of time, history and life. There is also a scaled-down model of the Museum of the Future adorned with the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Bin Lahej is the artist and calligrapher behind the facade of the museum, which has been described as “the only building that speaks Arabic”.
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The Power of Words sculpture is inspired by the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The exhibition also features the Moons of Forgiveness sculpture and the artwork Al Baqqah consisting of seven pieces, each representing one of the seven emirates of the UAE. Within the remit of Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, Dubai Design District (d3) is also the venue for four prominent artworks bearing Mattar Bin Lahej’s distinctive signature. Among them, The Quranic Encyclopaedia sculpture stands out symbolising unity, through Surah Al-Ikhlas of the Holy Quran.
In a display of matching artistry, the piece Emission of Language underscores the significance of preserving the Arabic language, emphasising its hoary depth and enviable authenticity. Fusion explores the use of metal to depict the harmonious relationship between religion and heritage, illustrating how distinctions and diversities meld into hearts aligned with Monotheism. Galaxy comprises interconnected sculptures representing worlds and stars, depicting the delicate balance that governs them. On October 28, Mattar Bin Lahej will participate in the Beyond the Brush – Al Wasl: Mattar’s Digital Canvas session, organised by Expo City Dubai and led by Amna Aboulhoul, Executive Creative Director - Entertainment & Experiences at Expo City Dubai. The event will illuminate Bin Lahej’s artistic journey, from his early beginnings to his foray into the digital realm, including the development of his innovative Mattar Font.
On October 29, he will be a guest at the Museum of the Future in a session titled Public Art Masterpiece during which he will share insights from his experience in designing the museum’s artistic façade (it transcends conventional architectural norms and underscores the role of art in refining public preferences). Bin Lahej will explain the intricate connections between art and technology, providing insights into the selection of appropriate locations for creating large-scale artworks.
As part of the biennale, Expo City Dubai has also organised a panel discussion titled The Intersection of Art And Technology with the participation of the director Mohammed Saeed Harib, Director and Founder of the Matra Production Company, Brendan Mcgetrick, Creative Director of the Museum of the Future, Amrita Sethi, renowned artist in the field of NFTs in the UAE, and Karl Knight, Head Technologist at Expo City Dubai. Visitors also get to witness a presentation by the artist Aimi Sekiguchi, delivered using virtual reality in Al Wasl Plaza. Sekiguchi is Japan’s pioneer VR/NFT artist, and one of the forerunners of digital art in Japan. Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture, her paintings are an eclectic world where ukiyo-e painting techniques and traditional Japanese motifs meet the vibrant and fantastical realm of modern technology and colour.
Tawthiq is a prominent part of the inaugural Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, an event organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. The biennale features a total of 19 art exhibitions, over 150 workshops and more than 25 informative talks, dispersed across more than 35 diverse locations throughout Dubai.
The inaugural edition of Dubai Calligraphy Biennale is supported by Al Rostamani Group (Lead Supporter) and Sandooq Al Watan (Supporter) and is being held in partnership with a variety of bodies in the local cultural scene, including Dubai Design District (d3), the Cultural and Scientific Association, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Expo City Dubai, DIFC Gate Avenue, Museum of the Future, Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, Juma Al-Majid Center, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Media Office, Dubai Municipality, Alserkal Avenue, Art Dubai, Women’s Museum, Tashkeel, Art Jameel, Mattar Bin Lahej Gallery, Boccara Gallery, Foundry, Khawla Art Gallery, Firetti Contemporary Gallery, Efie Gallery, BEDU, AWC Gallery, Hobb Bookstore, Opera Gallery, Mondoir Art Gallery, thejamjar, Medaf, Mirzam, Kalimat, Slay Café, Frame Café, 3IXAM, Huawei and Level Shoes.