Sheikh Salem opens calligraphy exhibition in Sharjah

Sheikh Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office, inaugurated on Wednesday “Bridging Generations”, an exhibition celebrating the work of six Emirati calligraphers at the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum.

Organised by Sharjah Museums Authority in collaboration with the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation, the exhibition will run until October 22.

Sheikh Salem toured the exhibition, which bridges history and modern creativity. The showcase provides a distinctive platform for Arabic calligraphy, tracing the work of leading Emirati calligraphers who have redefined the art form through innovative styles that balance tradition and modernity.

The Chairman of the Ruler’s Office was introduced to the key contributions showcased at the exhibition, which features artistic and creative works aimed at promoting Arabic calligraphy and highlighting the efforts of distinguished calligraphers who have advanced the craft by blending traditional styles with their own artistic expressions, reflecting the passion of successive generations to preserve the art and engage the wider community in deepening its appreciation of Arab and Islamic aesthetics.

He also listened to the participants as they outlined their artistic journeys and calligraphic techniques, which ranged from classical Arabic, Kufic, and precise Naskh styles to bold Thuluth.

The works also included pieces that combined painting with Arabic script, Diwani Jali, and other artistic expressions celebrating Emirati culture while enabling artists to convey messages and emotions through their craft.

Through this exhibition, Sharjah Museums Authority seeks to promote the art of Arabic calligraphy and reaffirm its leading role in Arab and Islamic civilisation. The initiative also reflects the Authority’s vision of serving as a cultural platform that strengthens Sharjah’s identity locally and globally, while providing a home for initiatives that highlight the importance of museums as centres of culture and education.

The exhibition invites its visitors to discover the diversity of calligraphic traditions and the tools employed by the participating artists. Alongside the displays, a rich programme of workshops, lectures and activities seeks to deepen the audience’s understanding of Arabic calligraphy in its multiple expressions, while cultivating community engagement and encouraging direct interaction with the art, thereby nurturing refined artistic appreciation and a more immersive cultural experience.