Calligraphy key part of UAE culture, says Pakistani artist Rubab Zahra

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Pakistani expat artist Rubab Zahra in an interview with the Gulf Today said, “Calligraphy is an integral part of the UAE culture and is intriguing and eye-catching, particularly for Western expats. Having done a plethora of calligraphic projects for UAE-based residents from all over the world, I found them really engrossing and alluring.” The self-taught artist started calligraphy in 2017 and has already held a couple of solo and group exhibitions besides conducting workshops to teach the art.

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Started initially as an experimentation, she finally found her interest in calligraphy and adopted it as her signature style.

 Rubab Zahra's calligraphic project. 

“My moniker style of painting is Arabic Calligraphy, I do traditional calligraphy as well as modern and contemporary styles,” she said.

“I have worked with fonts like Thuluth, Diwani, Saifi and Kufic (square and eastern versions). Moreover I have developed modern versions of calligraphy to connect closely to my Western clientele,” Rubab added.

Highlighting her journey, the artist said, “I found my interest in Arabic calligraphy when I was initially experimenting with various styles of Art. I felt connected to calligraphy from the initial hit. My inspiration is mainly my love for the Holy Quran and rich history of development of Islamic/Arabic calligraphy that goes back to the 11th century. I studied the history of Arabic calligraphy and I was mesmerised by how the discipline developed and evolved over centuries. But unfortunately, in the modern times, it’s getting neglected and our youth are not interested much in learning the sacred art. So, being a Muslim artist I felt responsible for contributing towards its survival and bloom,” she added.

 Rubab Zahra started calligraphy in 2017.

Rubab also mentioned that the journey has been fascinating, challenging, a constant learning experience and above all contemplation.

“I worked very hard to reach my goals that I used to set for myself. At times it had been laborious to manage between family and my passion for art, But I’m more than happy that I dealt with it effectively.” Describing the local environment, Rubab said, “I found the expat community amazingly supportive and interested in the local art scene.” She has been conducting calligraphy workshops on a regular basis.