It is a visual treat. Even those who do not understand the writing can enjoy at least the sight of it. Each dot, line and curve is reflective of the passion and warmth with which the artists have wielded the ‘qalam’.
Calligraphy is considered frozen poetry. The 600-odd calligraphic panels on display at the Salar Jung Museum bear it out. The special exhibition on the art of Islamic calligraphy being organised by the Siasat Daily is mesmerising, to say the least. Each work of art stands out for its precision, beauty and distinctness.
Hassan Nourian, Consul-General, Islamic Republic of Iran, who opened the exhibition, summed it up aptly thus: “ Allahu jamilun yuhibbul jamal ” (Allah is beautiful and likes beauty).
Islamic calligraphy is all about giving expression to the word of God contained in the Quran. Since figural arts are not permissible in Islam, Muslim artists employ their skills for the development of decorative arts.
The works of five calligraphers displayed at Salarjung gives an insight into the versatility of the art evolved over the years. The flowing continuum of ascending verticals, descending curves and temperate horizontals are simply breathtaking.
One can see the best of Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Nastaliq, Shikaste and ornamental scripts.
“The idea behind holding this exhibition is to revive the dwindling interest in Islamic calligraphy and to preserve this unique art form,” says Siasat Editor, Zahid Ali Khan.
Siasat is working in mission mode to promote calligraphy, which has stood the test of time. Five calligraphers, working on various Quranic verses, have produced 2,000-plus eye-catching masterpieces in the last three years.
“We have picked up the best of them to showcase here,” says Siasat managing editor Zaheeruddin Ali Khan.
The works of Abdul Nayeem Saberi, Shaik Mohammed Abdul Latif Farooque, Raziuddin Iqbal, Abdul Naseer Sultan and Syed Naseeruddin Viqar must be seen to be believed.
They seek to strike a perfect spiritual harmony and raise the stature of calligraphy, which has been an integral part of Islam.
The artists exploit a range of possibilities allowed by the Arabic language. Some verses are compacted to a dense knot, while some are drawn out to great length. The artistic appeal and aesthetics stand out in every form.
The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is on till August 31.
