Calligraphy pen and ink. PHOTO: FILE
Speaking at the opening of “Exhibition of Traditional Calligraphy” by calligrapher Muhammad Azeem Iqbal at Shakarparian, she said calligraphy, a centuries-old decorative ornamental handwriting art, hails from the Greek civilisation. The word `calligraphy’ is a combination of two Greek words ‘kalli’ (beautiful) and ‘graphia’ (to write).
The exhibition comprises of 50 calligraphic artefacts and paintings on Islamic arts in various mediums like leather, wood work, copper and precious stones.
Shahera said that since the advent of Islam, Holy Quran was written on different mediums. Calligraphers of that era used many writing styles to transcribe the manuscript of the Holy Book. Since then, this particular art has associated itself with spirituality and is the most popular form of design arts in the Muslim world. After acquiring the status of the noblest of all arts, it has been adorned on the ceiling, exterior, interior and domes of all famous mosques, shrines, buildings and monuments of religious importance in Islam.
In this regard, an opening ceremony was held at the Heritage Museum. Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Syed Ali Zafar opened the exhibition with ribbon cutting.
He also met the artist and the young students who were engaged in creating calligraphic art pieces under the supervision of the artist.
In his speech, the minister highly commended the role of Lok Virsa in promoting traditional culture.
Azim’s calligraphy stresses on the sacredness and spirit of the written word with subjective aesthetics in pure oriental tradition. Using three-dimensional techniques in wood, metal, gold, silver and leather, Azeem creates his calligraphic works with an intense devotion, which goes beyond his passion play as an artist. Apart from his fascination with calligraphy, Azeem also works on miniature, wood carving, relief work and other mediums to express his creative urge.
The exhibition will remain on display for public/visitors at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum till June 14 during working hours from 10am to 4pm.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2018.
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