In the world of Islamic arts, there are artists who not only learn from tradition but live it in all its details. Among these artists is Namarg Mohamed Ali, who specialises in Islamic manuscript arts and illumination. She has dedicated years of her life to studying this ancient art between Sudan and Turkey, becoming one of the most prominent Arab names in this field. In this interview, we speak with Namarg [...]
Meet Elif Hale Gokcen, the Turkish calligrapher and illuminator who proves that the mind of a computer engineer and the soul of a classical artist are not so different after all. From Street Graffiti to the Meticulous Reed Pen Before the delicate gold leaf and the meticulously cut reed pens (qalam), there were the bold, […]
The specialised workshop on “Islamic Decoration” recently concluded. It was organised by the School of Calligraphy and Decoration in collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and hosted by Al Rashidiyah Public Library. The workshop saw an excellent attendance from those interested in traditional arts, who embarked on an immersive artistic experience to explore the secrets of gilding and vegetal decoration. The workshop was not just practical training, but a journey of knowledge […]
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 […
Meet Shevaun Doherty, an Irish botanical and nature artist who pushes the boundaries of an art tradition stretching back over 2,000 years. Shevaun works primarily in watercolour on paper and vellum, and through her work, she aims to capture light, colour, and texture with astonishing detail. While botanical art has been used for over two millennia to document new discoveries and medicinal plants, […]
Hello dear friends, Today, we are excited to start a new series… Each week, we will bring you closer to the artists and tutors of the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation (SOCO), sharing their stories, artistic styles, and creative journeys. This week’s artist: Shevaun Doherty At the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, we believe that art […]
With the arrival of Eid Al-Fitr, we bid farewell to days filled with spirituality and reflection, and welcome a celebration that carries joy, gratitude, and renewal. It is a festival that follows a journey of patience and contemplation, reminding us of the beauty of new beginnings and the warmth of togetherness. Just as Ramadan offered a […]
As the last ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan begin, the rhythm of life slows down and moments become deeper and more reflective. These are days when hearts turn toward tranquility, and people seek moments of spiritual clarity away from the noise of daily life. Islamic arts have long been associated with this […]
On 28 January, the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation welcomed a group of students from the University of Al-Wosul – Fujairah, as part of the educational visits programme that the school implements throughout the academic year. The aim of these visits is to enhance awareness of Islamic arts and provide practical experiences that contribute to linking academic study with direct artistic practice. The number of visiting students was 35, and the visit began with an introductory tour of the exhibition of works […]
On 29 January, the School of Calligraphy and Decoration welcomed a group of students from the Indian School – Fujairah branch, as part of the educational visit programme organised by the school throughout the academic year. This initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to promoting awareness of Islamic arts and providing educational opportunities that integrate theoretical knowledge with direct practical experience. The number of visiting students was 20, from the [...] community.
