Meet the Saudi woman behind 1st reversed Arabic calligraphy typeface

Mawadah Muhtasib now passes on her craft through community workshops exclusively for women. (Supplied)
Mawadah Muhtasib now passes on her craft through community workshops exclusively for women. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 January 2023
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Meet the Saudi woman behind 1st reversed Arabic calligraphy typeface

Mawadah Muhtasib now passes on her craft through community workshops exclusively for women. (Supplied)
  • Mawadah Muhtasib created a typeface that mixed Arabic and Latin

JEDDAH: Mawadah Muhtasib, an emerging Saudi artist who reversed the typeface of the Arabic language, is well on her way to becoming a prominent name in the global art scene.

From learning her mother’s technique of writing backward at age 13 to exhibiting in London and New York City, Muhtasib has generated international intrigue in the art of Arabic by creating the first reversed Arabic calligraphy, or calligraffiti, typeface.




She now passes on her craft through community workshops exclusively for women, most recently at Saudi’s largest light-based festival Noor Riyadh, which centers more approachable methods to the craft. (Supplied)

Her messages are not only meant to be read, but are also designed to be deciphered. Engaging her audience with the challenge of decoding letters is a large part of experiencing the artwork itself.

“It’s about expanding your human capabilities into creating the impossible. And this is exactly what I have been trying to do,” she told Arab News in an exclusive interview.

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The Arabic language is one of the richest art forms, the artist says, but in modernity, it is difficult to appreciate the depths of something that has become so ordinary.

Born out of a quest to layer the heritage of Arabic letters with innovative graffiti art methods, her work dares to be the first of its kind, granting her Dubai’s Art Bus competition award and a chance to show her work at exclusive showcases.




Muhtasib’s revered Arabic calligraphy artwork showcased at Bricklane Gallery’s “Contemporary Painting” exhibition in London. (Supplied)

As graffiti art surged in popularity in 2013, Muhtasib experimented with mural painting alongside a novel group, hoping to develop a boundaryless form of art.

With a vision to modernize the traditional, she created a decorative typeface that mixed Arabic and Latin, written from left to right.

It’s about expanding your human capabilities into creating the impossible.

Mawadah Muhtasib

Muhtasib said: “We are so used to Arabic calligraphy when it comes to Thuluth calligraphy, Al-Kufi, Al-Naskh, and so on, and we just read that way and pass it on.




She urges creators not to be afraid to push the boundaries of art and culture. With calligraphy, “your sky’s the limit,” Muhtasib says. (Supplied)

“When I’m doing my Arabic calligraphy, people sit and stare at my work for hours trying to figure out what these letters are, and the moment they realize it’s Arabic, they start to analyze and see all these letters in a different form that we as Arabic speakers are not used to.”

The Arabic language is one of the richest art forms, the artist says, but in modernity, it is difficult to appreciate the depths of something that has become so ordinary.

The goal is not only to get the viewer to read but to actively reflect on the beauty and form of each stroke and letter within the alphabet.




Muhtasib's messages aren't meant to be read, they’re meant to be deciphered. Engaging her audience with the challenge of decoding letters is a large part of experiencing the artwork itself. (Supplied)

Muhtasib now passes on her craft through community workshops exclusively for women, most recently at Saudi’s largest light-based festival, Noor Riyadh.

“In my workshops, I do not teach people to write in reverse … I’m basically giving you the key of how to use the tools of starting to practice in the form of Latin calligraphy,” she said.

As soon as students understand the anatomy of the font family, Muhtasib introduces slanted brushes, layering techniques and stroke pressure. From the first session, students are sent home with a new creative form of expression. "The soul of a person is laid out on a page," she said.

Writing in reverse is not new; the artist’s mother passed down the habit after having to write backward to maintain privacy at work. Alongside that, she passed down her passion for creative innovation.

While most calligraphers in the Kingdom were mimicking Western methods, Muhtasib, at 16 years old, was inspired and encouraged by Tunisian artist eL Seed and Saudi Moroccan artist Shaker Kashgari.

“I took that trick that my mom taught me years ago on how to write and then I changed it into a decorative typeface,” she said.

The concept was designed to preserve the rich heritage of the Arabic language. For foreigners, it offers a chance to engage in the language and learn its history.

“This is Arabic calligraphy in reverse that I took, improved, adjusted and made into a different form. But viewers will also wonder how it actually looked like (originally) and this will make a lot of people go in-depth and learn more about Arabic calligraphy,” Muhtasib said.

The philosophy behind the Typeform has gained interest from international luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, Montblanc, Sephora and more, resulting in several collaborations.

Muhtasib urges creators to push the boundaries of art and culture.

With calligraphy, “your sky’s the limit,” she said.

 

 


Riyadh exhibition pays tribute to Zakia Al-Dubaikhi, acclaimed painter, loving mother

Riyadh exhibition pays tribute to Zakia Al-Dubaikhi, acclaimed painter, loving mother
Updated 29 September 2023
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Riyadh exhibition pays tribute to Zakia Al-Dubaikhi, acclaimed painter, loving mother

Riyadh exhibition pays tribute to Zakia Al-Dubaikhi, acclaimed painter, loving mother
  • The exhibition is being hosted by Al-Dubaikhi’s daughter, Basma Al-Zamil, and the artist’s husband, in celebration of the painter’s profound work and legacy
  • She began painting at a young age, encouraged by her late father who bought her all the required tools

RIYADH: The late Saudi artist Zakia Al-Dubaikhi’s artwork is showcased at the “Once Upon a Time” exhibition at Ahlam Gallery in Riyadh.
Her work focused on Saudi women’s rights at a time when it was not common to do so, while celebrating multicultural neighborhoods in the Eastern Province.
The exhibition is being hosted by Al-Dubaikhi’s daughter, Basma Al-Zamil, and the artist’s husband, in celebration of the painter’s profound work and legacy.
Al-Zamil said: “It is important to me in this exhibition to keep her legacy and her name alive and to kind of help people know that art never dies.”
Al-Dubaikhi was born in Dammam, in a multicultural neighborhood with narrow streets, and played and grew up with children from different nationalities.
She began painting at a young age, encouraged by her late father who bought her all the required tools, from brushes to painting colors and canvases.
In the 1980s, at a time when being a Saudi artist was uncommon, Al-Dubaikhi overcame many obstacles, taking painting lessons from renowned female Saudi artists, which led to her work being showcased in Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah.
Later focusing on her family and her career as an English teacher, Al-Dubaikhi parted company with her brushes but never deserted her artistic inclinations, using her knowledge to help her students.
Her artistic mindset and love for painting never left her and she aspired to present a solo exhibition and open an art gallery.
Her ambitions were never achieved, though, and she died in November 2018.
Al-Zamil and her father have showcased Al-Dubaikhi’s artwork in several cities around the Kingdom, including Dammam, Al-Ahsa, Riyadh, and Jeddah, and outside the Kingdom in Manama, Bahrain.
The “Once Upon a Time” exhibition opened its doors on Sept. 27 and runs until Oct. 2.
Tania Mehanna Cantone, the wife of the Italian ambassador to the Kingdom, attended the opening day of the exhibition.
Pointing at one of Al-Dubaikhi’s paintings, Cantone said: “It is an expression of what Saudi women were feeling in the middle of between 2000 and 2016, and really it touches each one of us because you see the call for freedom.
“You see this hope in the eyes of the different ladies, lots of ladies that she has been painting, and it is a beautiful way of looking at Saudi Arabia.”
Another guest of honor on opening night was Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, an artist and cartoonist from the Eastern Province.
He said: “I was very happy to attend this exhibition. I was impressed with her interest in the environment and heritage portrayed through her paintings, and the depth of her work showcasing the history of the Kingdom and the Gulf region at large.”
Al-Dubaikhi’s paintings reveal her take on Saudi women’s rights, along with her other interests, including Indian culture and her love of cats.
Al-Zamil said: “She was living with neighbors from different nationalities in the Eastern Province, and she was interested in Indian culture, music, and food.”
Al-Dubaikhi saw early changes toward women’s rights in the Kingdom just before her death.
Al-Zamil added: “My mother recorded a time in our history, and not too many artists were able to do that.
“In her humble way she covered the times of Saudi Arabia before Vision 2030 and after Vision 2030.”
“Once Upon a Time” is a walk through Al-Dubaikhi’s life, passing significant moments from her early childhood in the Eastern Province to her artistic journey and roles as Saudi artist and loving mother.
 


Melody festival’s pitch perfect celebration of Saudi music

Melody festival’s pitch perfect celebration of Saudi music
Updated 29 September 2023
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Melody festival’s pitch perfect celebration of Saudi music

Melody festival’s pitch perfect celebration of Saudi music
  • The festival opened with a poignant tribute to pioneers of Saudi composition
  • Singer Mohammed Abdu opened the musical evening with a stirring performance of compositions by Kadars and Idris

JEDDAH: The inaugural Kingdom’s Melody Festival is taking center stage in Jeddah, captivating audiences with a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage.
The three-day festival began on Thursday with a mission to illuminate the history of music and composers in the Kingdom, highlighting their deep-rooted cultural ties to the local community.
The festival opened with a poignant tribute to pioneers of Saudi composition.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Vice Chairman of the Music Commission Hamed Fayez honored Saudi composer Abdulrab Idris and late artist Omar Kadars.
Singer Mohammed Abdu opened the musical evening with a stirring performance of compositions by Kadars and Idris.
Before the concert, Abdu said: “Kingdom’s Melody is a wonderful initiative by the Ministry of Culture. Today, we honor the distinguished figures in Saudi music, and this is a new beginning for us.”
The Jeddah Superdome was transformed into a vast musical tent, resonating with applause and cheers from a capacity audience mainly clad in the traditional Saudi shemagh, a red-and-white headscarf.
The festival continued with two events: “Send Love” allowed the audience to send greetings to beloved composers, while “Melodic Memories” showcased songs from various musical figures.
Samar Moghrabi told Arab News: “I am very happy about the Kingdom’s interest in Saudi song composers, and I thank the Ministry of Culture for this unique event.”
Shadi Tashkandi, who was attending with his family, said:, “This grand event brings together iconic artists who have shaped the musical history of our country. I am proud to attend this event in my beloved city, Jeddah.”
The festival also featured performances by Abdel Majeed Abdallah, who presented a selection of songs composed by Fawzi Mahsoon and Saleh Al-Shehri.
The final night promises a showcase by Saudi composer Abadi Al-Johar, featuring songs composed by Talal Bagher.
Complementing the performances, an accompanying exhibition narrated the stories and experiences that shaped Saudi music and its composers.
Jeddah’s historical significance in Saudi music was underlined, as diplomatic missions recorded the earliest Saudi musical compositions. Smart screens and high-definition speakers allowed visitors to explore Saudi music from its inception to the present.
The festival is set to become an annual event, with each year focusing on the influence of other cultures on Saudi music.
This initiative aligns with the Quality of Life program, part of the Vision 2030 framework, which strives to enhance cultural experiences and foster the arts in Saudi Arabia.

 


Job-seekers explore opportunities at career fair in Riyadh

Job-seekers explore opportunities at career fair in Riyadh
Updated 29 September 2023
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Job-seekers explore opportunities at career fair in Riyadh

Job-seekers explore opportunities at career fair in Riyadh

RIYADH: Hundreds of job-seekers explored opportunities as dozens of public and private sector entities participated in the 9th “A Step Ahead” career fair that concluded on Friday in Riyadh.

The fair and conference that ran for three days brought together employers, job-seekers and professionals under one roof, allowing them to find opportunities, highlight their skills for immediate personal interviews, through a digital process in most of the booths.

During the fair, about 120 group counseling and career guidance sessions were conducted.

The fair was accompanied by a scientific conference dedicated to human resources leaders, under the slogan “War of Talents” in which many leaders in the human capital sector are present.

The fair included a pavilion of the mega-projects in Saudi Arabia, attracting large numbers of visitors.

The pavilion of the Ministry of Culture and its various bodies reflected the artistic cultural heritage of the Kingdom.  It also offered visitors the opportunity to learn about Saudi arts, in addition to presenting the initiatives of the National Strategy for Culture.

The pavilions of the Ministry of Defense, the Royal Commission for AlUla and the General Organization for Social Insurance were also visited by dozens of job-seekers.

The fair was also accompanied by a conference that hosted Saudi entrepreneurs and prominent figures to present their experiences to job-seekers.

Sarah Al-Tasan looked excited as she searched for a suitable job opportunity in the cyber-security sector.

Al-Tasan graduated in May from the MAS Institute accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, and traveled abroad less than a week after graduation to develop her English language skills.

She praised the interaction of the establishments participating in the fair saying: “It is something that honors and gives a positive energy.”

Al-Tasan submitted her CV to more than one company, and said “everyone gets me excited as they really need this specialization.”

Abdulrahman Al-Dawsari, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Qassim University, heard about the fair from his brother, and is optimistic about obtaining a job.

Al-Dawsari was keen to attend the first day of the fair because he expected that, on the opening day, those in charge of the booths would be crowded.

“I am confident that the participants in the fair are keen to attract talent for the vacant opportunities they have through … I advise the unemployed to attend such employment fairs and seriously search for job opportunities there,” he said.


Jeddah’s Art Jameel seeks curator for Red Sea exhibition 

Jeddah’s Art Jameel seeks curator for Red Sea exhibition 
Updated 29 September 2023
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Jeddah’s Art Jameel seeks curator for Red Sea exhibition 

Jeddah’s Art Jameel seeks curator for Red Sea exhibition 
  • Art Jameel has announced a curatorial open call for exhibition proposals centered around the Red Sea

JEDDAH: Art Jameel has announced a curatorial open call for exhibition proposals centered around the Red Sea.

The Jeddah gallery is seeking proposals that explore the geography, history, ecology, and movement of people and ideas related to the Red Sea for an exhibition due to open in May 2024.

The selected curator will collaborate with the Art Jameel team, receiving guidance on various aspects of the exhibition’s development, including production, design, logistics and installation.

Nora Razian, deputy director (arts) at Art Jameel, said: “Part of our core strategy at Art Jameel is fostering curatorial development in the region and beyond. This fellowship is catered toward early-career curators, based anywhere in the world, and is centered on the idea of curatorial exchange and supporting original and timely curatorial knowledge production.”

The gallery is seeking applicants from Saudi Arabia and worldwide to “develop an original exhibition with our team,” she said.

The open call invites curators and collectives whose research and exhibition-making engage with topics such as Jeddah/Hejaz histories, Red Sea ecologies, Red Sea histories of migration, and connected geographies across the Red Sea, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Palestine, and Jordan.

Early-career curators with limited institutional curatorial experience or from three to five years of postgraduation experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Deadline for submissions is Oct. 15, 2023.
 
Art Jameel offers full financial support for the exhibition, including curator fees, travel and accommodation expenses, artist fees, and all other related exhibition costs.


Video shows lightning strike Makkah clock tower

Video shows lightning strike Makkah clock tower
Updated 29 September 2023
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Video shows lightning strike Makkah clock tower

Video shows lightning strike Makkah clock tower

A photographer has captured the moment lightning presented a stunning backdrop to Makkah’s famous clock tower as Muslims around the world marked the Prophet’s birthday.

 

 

The remarkable images have been shared across social media, including a video that showed lightning spread into the purple sky, creating an image like a tree – the clock tower providing the trunk to this remarkable electrical show.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Muslim (@muslim)

 

And there’s a chance for more stunning images.

Saudi Arabia’s authorities have warned that more wet and windy weather is expected in the Kingdom, bringing with it, dust storms and more thunder and lightning.