“Calligraphy is among the most revered art forms in the Islamic world” - HH Sheikh Majid
HH Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Cultures) will be the patron of an exhibition of art and calligraphy by artists from the UAE and the Middle East. The event called “Letters” organized by Montblanc will be held in the Grand Atrium of Dubai Mall from September 14th through to October 3rd.
Commenting on the event, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed said, “The Arabic language is inseparably linked with the development and evolution of Arabic script, and by extension, calligraphy. Today, calligraphy is easily among the most revered art forms in the Islamic world because it is linked to our literary heritage.”
HH Sheikh Majid noted that calligraphy is an extremely demanding activity, and most of the great masters devoted their lives to perfecting their art. Mastery of calligraphy requires not only the discipline of developing technical skills, but also the engagement of the calligrapher's moral force and personality.
Speaking on behalf of Montblanc, Joe Nahhas, Regional Brand Director said: “Arabic art and calligraphy is the most typical expression of Arab-Islamic culture and Montblanc has made a special commitment to cultural advancement as we strongly believe that language and writing are the foundations of civilization and culture.”
He noted that the contemporary calligraphic designs to be presented by young artists during the Letters Exhibition will utilize modern styles to create an abstract, yet readable, representation of calligraphy and provide a postmodern interpretation of letters in art form.
“Our intention is to cross barriers and touch other languages and cultures as the written words are a talisman, and the process of writing is connected not only with the writer’s technique and skill, but also with his spiritual and moral character," Mr. Nahhas observed.
“Enlightening experiences and exciting discoveries have to be recorded before they can be exploited and developed. Knowledge, ability and will are what transcend the individual and distinguish the culture of mankind,” Mr. Nahhas stated.
“It is thanks to the creation of writing that culture and art are expressed in a virtually inexhaustible diversity of forms,” said Mr. Nahhas.
He noted that Montblanc promotes many different international activities that each contribute in their own way to the cultural life of society and the Letters exhibition in Dubai is one among a series of co-ordinated initiatives around the world.
Montblanc recently joined hands with UNICEF in a drive to eradicate illiteracy by pledging a sum of AED 5.5 million ($1.5 million) towards education to ensure that children regardless of their gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background or circumstances have access to quality education.
With the “Signature for Good” programme, Montblanc will contribute towards giving as many children as possible better access to quality learning and thus lay the foundation for growth, transformation, innovation, opportunity and equality for all children.
Montblanc is a truly international brand with operations in more than 70 countries. Montblanc sells its products exclusively through its international network of authorized retailers, jewellers and over 360 Montblanc Boutiques worldwide.
