Teacher Spotlight: Mostafa Sedky

We are back with our new series… Each week, we will bring you closer to the artists and teachers of the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation (SOCO), sharing their stories, styles, and artistic journeys.

Artist of the Week: Mostafa Sedky Mostafa holds a degree in Engineering, but he did not stop at the rigidity of numbers. Instead, he found in them a living language, choosing to dive into the world of Islamic geometric ornamentation as a field that connects art, knowledge, and design. What initially drew him was the structural logic and mathematical harmony behind these geometric patterns.

Mostafa does not view historic monuments as mere silent walls; he sees them as his primary source of inspiration. For him, every monument is like a “living book written seven or eight centuries ago“. He believes that careful observation of these ruins reveals layers of thought, craftsmanship, and intention behind every line and proportion. For him, these architectural spaces generate questions, and questions, in turn, generate ideas that can inspire research and creative exploration for years.

As a culmination of years of research and practice, Mostafa authored his specialized book: “Islamic Geometric Ornament: Principles and Foundations“. The aim was not just an artistic record, but a rigorous yet accessible introduction for non-specialists to this complex field. The book is an invitation to explore the rules that give this art its universal language, extending his vision of making heritage accessible and understandable to everyone.

Mostafa understands that Islamic art evolved naturally for centuries, but a cultural disruption created a gap between contemporary practices and our artistic heritage. Therefore, in his work and designs, he does not aim to simply replicate historical motifs. Instead, he seeks to reinterpret their underlying principles to feel both authentic and relevant today, building a strong bridge between the authenticity of the past and the needs of the present.

In Mostafa’s workshops at SOCO, you don’t just learn how to draw a geometric pattern; you discover the deeper values and cultural philosophy behind this art. He invites you to connect with a sophisticated intellectual tradition and a remarkable artistic civilization. His ultimate goal is to foster a sense of appreciation, pride, and a rooted connection to this heritage.

For those wishing to enter and delve deeper into this world, Mostafa’s most important advice begins with “clarifying your intention“. Islamic geometric art is a vast field, and its true depth reveals itself only to those with patience and discipline. If you truly want to understand this heritage, do not look for quick results; enjoy the journey, stay curious, and allow yourself the time needed to truly understand the “language of these patterns“.

Join Mostafa Sedky’s Course at SOCO (Available Online):

Special Discount for Sadati Card Holders

We are pleased to announce this initiative as part of our community support to encourage everyone to discover art:

20% Discount for Sadati Card holders (Fujairah Government and CPO employees).

To avail the discount:

• Send a photo of your card via WhatsApp or Email.
• Or present it upon attendance.

That was our newsletter for this week ✨

See you next week with a new artist from SOCO.

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