Projects
Declaration - eL Seed
In 2018, when Dubai Opera commissioned eL Seed for a sculpture, he set out to pay tribute to Declaration and make his love permanent. Inspired by Jean Cocteau’s idea that love is shown through proof, he brought his art into three dimensions to materialize it. While still rooted in script, freeing the letter forms allowed him to explore new spaces that deepened his respect and love for the art.
Museum of the Future - Mattar Bin Lahej
The building’s façade is wrapped in flowing Arabic calligraphy, featuring quotes by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These words were transformed into an architectural feature by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej, who designed the calligraphic script to form the very windows of the structure. The calligraphy not only adds an artistic dimension but also serves a functional purpose, allowing natural light to filter through the building in a way that reflects the Museum’s vision of blending tradition, innovation, and the future.
Gulf Air - Nja Mahaoui
Nja Mahdaoui is a Tunisian artist widely recognized for his modern interpretations of Arabic calligraphy. For Gulf Air’s 50th anniversary, he was chosen to design the exterior of four of their airplanes, using his signature calligraphic style to create bold, flowing artworks across the aircraft.
The Flower Seller - Yazan Halwani
Yazan Halwani, a Lebanese street artist known as "the Banksy of Beirut," traveled to Dortmund, Germany, to paint a powerful portrait of Fares, a Syrian refugee child who was killed by an airstrike in the ongoing war. The mural, created entirely from tiny, detailed Arabic calligraphy, serves as a tribute to Fares and raises awareness about the tragic impact of the refugee crisis.
INFINITE - Diaa Allam
Diaa Allam announced his creative collaborations and exhibitions for the inaugural Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, which ran from October 1st to 31st, 2023. Partnering with Dubai Culture, he introduced his solo exhibition, "INFINITE," displayed at Mondoir’s digital gallery in Dubai. The exhibition explored the relationship between nature, humanity, and creation, showcasing three new artworks that blended calligraphy with contemporary art in both physical and digital forms.
Where We Come From - Emily Jacir
Emily Jacir is a Palestinian-American artist whose project Where We Come From (2001–2003) explores identity and displacement, offering a poignant look at the Palestinian experience under Israeli occupation. Using her American passport to bypass mobility restrictions, Jacir asked Palestinians in both occupied territories and the diaspora, "If I could do anything for you in Palestine, what would it be?" The responses, ranging from visiting a grave to playing football with a child or walking on a beach in Jaffa, formed the core of the project.