Visual arts : Islamic calligraphy via modern techniques

Quranic verses are selected, drawn on software, and then printed through a laser machine

ISLAMABAD:

Islamic calligraphy carries a lot of importance for Muslims across the globe. Owing to its importance and growing demand, Islamic calligraphy is taught as a subject in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Pakistan.

This artistic education and skill develop the ability to understand, learn and speak the Quran. Rare calligraphic art pieces are made from wood, iron, copper and glass.

Calligraphic art is not only a part of all the big and small mosques around the world, but people also love to decorate their houses with Islamic calligraphy.

Like every other field in life of art, there have also been a lot of innovative techniques involved in calligraphy over the years and many changes have been witnessed. Rare and magnificent masterpieces are produced by using strong metals of iron and copper, which is not only sturdy but is also heartwarming to see.

Historically, Islamic calligraphy developed from two major styles: Kufic and Naskh. Each style boasts several variations. Arabic or Persian calligraphy has also been incorporated into modern art, beginning with the post-colonial period in the Middle East, as well as the more recent style of calligraffiti.

According to artisans, it takes ten to twenty days to perfect a work of art. The masterpiece, made of iron and copper, lasts for ten to fifty years.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a well-known calligraphy artist from the Pir Mahal Tehsil of Toba Tek Singh District Mohammad Irfan said that he has lived in Saudi Arabia for the past 20 years and has mastered the art of calligraphy in the kingdom.

“I have made masterpieces with iron and copper for different mosques and other major palaces in Saudi Arabia. It is a difficult task and requires a lot of responsibility because words of the Quran cannot be misspelt,” he said. “The verses are selected, drawn on CorelDRAW and other design software, and then printed through a laser machine.”

He added that cutting is done according to the thickness of the iron sheet and copper. Laser cutting machines have been imported from the United States, China, and Germany. A machine is worth Rs1 to Rs2 million. So far, these machines are only found in big cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.

“My work is my passion and I love it. Nowadays, the trend of calligraphic art is increasing in Pakistan and owing to the demand, many people are entering the field.”

A masterpiece of three to fifty feet is made with the laser, while special polish and some chemicals are applied on it to protect from water and other weather conditions.

Qari Wali, another artisan, says that those artists and craftsmen who play their role in the promotion of Islam through their skills are doing a great service.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, Septe0mber 14^th, 2020.