The Journey of Islamic Art Through Traditional and Contemporary Calligraphy Painting

Abstract

Islamic Art is considered as historical art and it is famous all over the Islamic world. The Islamic calligraphy art started around the time of the revelation of al-Quran. Islamic calligraphy art was famous for adorning the interior and exterior aspects of mosques and some famous Islamic buildings. The aim of this article is to highlight and study the traditional and contemporary Islamic calligraphy painting by well-known calligraphers. Calligraphers have been inspired by the Arabic language and they are expressing this language as a kind of unique art through traditional and contemporary painting. Indeed, this paper will provide a brief history of calligraphy art. Islamic calligraphy painting is expressed in a variety of styles and there are also different modes of traditional Arabic styles of writing. Islamic Calligraphers appreciate this sacred and spiritual art and as they carried on their journey, they began to create their art by adding some inspirational verses of the Quran as well as some historical poems. The most noticeable visible feature related to Islamic calligraphy traditional and contemporary painting has to do with the complex and intricate compositions that involve the overlapping of words integrated into a unique method. Islamic calligraphy painting, through either a traditional or a contemporary method, expresses movement and dynamism through the calligraphic lines. The study reveals that the traditional and contemporary calligraphy paintings are considered as innovative art based on their unique traditional scripts, the intricate contemporary identity of the handwriting and the materials. Calligraphers expressed their artistry, and their ability and creativity by applying the sacred language to create a fabulous and unique tradition which is referred to as contemporary calligraphy painting.