Botanical ornament art workshop under the supervision of Professor Namarig

From the depths of Islamic art and the beauty of nature-inspired details, the Calligraphy and Ornamentation School in Fujairah organised an intensive art workshop titled “The Art of Botanical Ornamentation,” presented by artist Namarq Ali, amidst a distinguished turnout of those interested in traditional arts and lovers of Islamic ornamentation.

During the workshop, participants learned the fundamentals of drawing plant leaves in Islamic decoration, by analysing natural shapes, dissecting them, and transforming them into precise artistic designs that express the balance between nature and geometric beauty. The workshop also witnessed great interaction from attendees who practiced drawing and repeating leaves using techniques inspired by classical schools of illumination and ornamentation.

The workshop was characterised by a vibrant artistic atmosphere brimming with creativity and meticulous observation, where participants embarked on a visual journey that merged academic study with aesthetic experience. During this journey, they drew inspiration from the elements of nature, reflecting the spirit of Islamic art in its most magnificent forms.

The workshop was presented by artist Namaraq Ali, a specialist in book arts, who holds a Master's degree in Gilding Art from Fatih Sultan Mehmet University in Istanbul, under the supervision of Professor Mustafa Çelebi. She studied miniature and Islamic architecture, and participated in art exhibitions and workshops both inside and outside Turkey. She also worked in Mustafa Çelebi's art studio and contributed to the gilding of works by the world-renowned calligrapher Hassan Çelebi. Namaraq is considered one of the most prominent Arab figures in the art of gilding and ornamentation, and is currently pursuing her PhD studies in this ancient specialisation.

This workshop is part of a series of training programmes organised by the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation to promote Islamic arts and enhance their presence in the local and international art scene, by combining academic knowledge with practical application that highlights the authenticity of traditional arts with a contemporary spirit.