Event:

Get Acquainted / تعارف

The 6th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial

2 Apr 2014
2 Jun 2014

One of the leading global cultural events, giving a great contribution to preservation and development of Islamic and Arabic calligraphy.

The 6th edition of the Biennial features 56 exhibitions, 1218 artworks by 737 participating artists from 36 countries. The programme includes 43 seminars, talks and lectures, 123 workshops, 36 film screenings, 6 educational courses and 43 field trips. The exhibitions are located in 20 museums and art institutions, reviving the city throughout the Biennial.

Sharjah_Calligraphy_Biennial_1 - From the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial 2014 / Courtesy of Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès

Under the theme 'Get Acquainted', is a variety of activities and exhibitions, that celebrate Arabic and Islamic arts and pay tribute to the talented calligraphers from all around the world. Among the programmes of the Biennial, a parallel seminar is held under the title 'Acquaintance of the Letter', in addition there will be an honouring celebration for a group of renowned artists from different Arabic and Islamic countries.

This edition of the biennial hosts calligraphic and ornamental creations that go beyond the scope of modern and classical Arabic Calligraphy, showing masterpieces from all around the world, like Europe, U.S.A., China and others. Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial introduces the features of Islamic civilization and calligraphy as a major form of artistic expression in Islamic culture, especially and particularly in religious context. It celebrates Arabic calligraphy and its artists by presenting the beauty and authenticity of the letter.

The event includes various parallel 'international exhibitions', and 'a general exhibition' that will present calligraphic experiences from various calligraphic schools. There is also parallel solo exhibitions and workshops, held during the whole period of the biennial, and conducted by innovators from different Arabic and foreign countries. A variety of Special exhibitions is held during the biennial period, and these exhibitions are ' Testimonial Verses', 'Pulse in a Wall', 'Bukoor', and many other events.

The Biennial emphasizes the role of culture as the central cohesion that holds human values. These values bring us all together to shape the future, launch the creative dialogue and admire diversity. Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial is organized by the Directorate of Arts in the Department of Culture and Information, Government of Sharjah, in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE and this year is held as part of the celebrations of naming Sharjah as the Islamic Capital of Culture for 2014. The Biennial will run until June 2, 2014.

For more information: http://islamicartsmagazine.com/magazine/view/6th_edition_of_sharjah_calligraphy_biennial/