Calligraphy or “beautiful writing” dates back to the Egyptians of the 5th dynasty in 2494 B.C. This art form continues to draw admirers even in our high-tech world. ArabicCalligraphy.com was created in 1999 to promote the work of Lebanese artists Kamel and Mokhtar El-Baba. While the primary goal of this website is to act as a “virtual gallery” for these artists, the site has a commercial aspect as well.
Kamel El-Baba was one of the most accomplished contemporary calligraphers in the Arab world. He learned the art of calligraphy at an early age at the hands of his father and later from Najeeb Hawawini, Egypt’s most esteemed calligrapher of the time. After a long and successful professional career, in retirement he published “Rouh Al-Khatt Al-Arabi” (The Spirit of Arabic Calligraphy), a book in which he presented a study of the art and history of Arabic calligraphy, as well as a collection of splendid works of art. Kamel’s son, Mokhtar El-Baba has continued the family tradition. Mokhtar started producing artwork in the early 1970s and has had a successful career as artist, teacher and author.
ArabicCalligraphy.com attempts to educate the public on the art and history of Arabic calligraphy. At the site the calligraphy, both traditional and modern, is a joy to behold even for the untutored eye.