TEHRAN-The 11th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial is underway in the UAE with works by Iranian calligrapher Hossein Feizabadi among the displayed items.

The biennial in Sharjah, known as the cultural and literature hub of the UAE, has put on show 17 calligraphy works by Feizabadi, created in Shikasteh style, ILNA reported.

Feizabadi, 56, is known for his expertise in the art of calligraphy, particularly in the Shikasteh style. He is a prominent author of educational books on this form and has been involved in teaching it since 1996.

Shikasteh is a style of Persian calligraphy that is known for its rapid writing and fluidity. It is a form of calligraphy that partly derives from the Nastaliq script but is characterized by letters and words that may connect in ways not typically seen in more formal scripts.

The biennial is being organized by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at the Department of Culture under the theme “Inscriptions”.

This year’s exhibition features a variety of works representing the artistic experiences of calligraphers from around the globe. It showcases more than 600 artworks by 260 artists from different countries. The works showcase artistic diversity both in form and content. The calligraphic styles presented include Thuluth, Naskh, Kufi, and others whose revival is being recorded by the exhibition.

The diverse artworks on display includes verses from the Quran and poems in various calligraphic styles created by artists from the United Arab Emirates and other countries.

This year’s winners of the biennial awards were also honored at the opening ceremony of the biennial on October 2. The winners of the Authentic Direction awards included calligrapher calligrapher Fardin Ghozlou from Iran for his work “Surat Yasin” as well as calligraphers Ziad Al-Muhandis from Iraq and Ahmad Al-Bashir from Syria.

The winners of the Modern and Contemporary Calligraphic Arts awards included artist Jaafar Ali from Iran for his work “The All Wise” as well as artists Sanaz Al-Barzi from Turkey and Rashid Aghli from Morocco for his work “In”.

Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial was launched in 2004 to introduce the art of calligraphy theoretically and practically, with all its divisions, schools, and conventions.

The biennial invites renowned calligraphers and practitioners from around the world to showcase their art and projects to help in enhancing the development of calligraphy art. The biennial is also a platform for the artists to experience technical, aesthetic and intellectual advancement. It also encourages exploration and research to deepen the history of the calligraphy in the region.

The duration of the Biennial varies from a month to two months with eventful days. This year’s edition of the biennial also features 94 activities including specialised workshops, lectures, and various seminars hosted by the Sharjah Culture Department. The event will run till November 30.

SS/SAB