Moroccan decorative art

As part of the Fujairah International Competition for Calligraphy and Ornamentation, participants enjoyed a workshop on «The Art of Moroccan Ornamentation» with Moroccan artist Fouad Belili. The workshop witnessed remarkable attendance and wonderful interaction, in a rich artistic experience that combined learning, application, and creativity.

The workshop aimed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of Moroccan ornamental art through a simplified practical application, during which they learned about the basic decorative elements, the method of constructing and colouring the Moroccan pattern, and ultimately completed a unified decorative work step-by-step under the direct supervision of the trainer. The workshop also focused on practical training in the four stages of execution: design, gilding, outlining, and colouring, which helped participants understand the artistic sequence of decorative work and develop their skills in choosing and distributing colours harmoniously.

The workshop was led by artist and researcher Fouad Blili, a specialist in Moroccan decorative art and a professor of this art at Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez. He possesses over eight years of experience in Islamic arts, combining academic research and artistic creativity to revive and promote this ancient art locally and internationally. He holds a specialised diploma in Islamic decorative art from Al-Qarawiyyin University, won the King Mohammed VI Award for Moroccan Decorative Art (first place), and has participated in prominent art projects, including the decoration of the "Mus'haf Al-Ummah" in Istanbul, as well as participating in international events in countries such as Turkey, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

This workshop is part of the competition's accompanying programmes, which aim to support Islamic arts, foster cultural exchange, and create an interactive space that brings together artists and those interested in traditional arts from various cultures, thereby highlighting the aesthetics of Islamic ornamentation and the diversity of its artistic schools.