Dubaï Calligraphy Biennale
My participation in the first Dubai Calligraphy Biennale 2023 (United Arab Emirates)
Abdelmalik Nounouhi
Dubaï Calligraphy Biennale
1-31 October 2023
Delighted and honoured to be part of the 1st edition of the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale as part of the exhibition "Calligraphy Redefined: A Perspective in Play". Exhibition at Gate Avenue, DIFC, from 1 to 31 October 2023.
Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Crown prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of
Dubai, the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale marks a significant milestone in
celebration of 10 successful editions of the Dubai International Arabic
Calligraphy Exhibition. The biennale presents an exploration of calligraphy
beyond borders and languages, uniting artists from all around the world,
each showcasing their unique culture and language. The biennale will not
only narrate a visual experience but is also an opportunity for cultural
exchange and understanding, to serve as a reminder that human connection
remains universal through different expressions.
With more than 35 destinations activated across Dubai, the biennale offers
a holistic experience for visitors, to include 19 curated calligraphy art and
design exhibitions, launch of public art masterpieces and murals, and a
month-long program of workshops and engaging activities. The framework
of the biennale encompasses partnerships and collaborations with art
galleries and stakeholders, namely Museum of the Future, EXPOCITY, Mohd
Bin Rashid Library, Dubai Design District, DIFC Gate Avenue, along with
activations of DCAA Assets of Museums and Public Libraries.
"Calligraphy Redefined: A Perspective in Play"
In a world where tradition and innovation intersect, the very essence of lettering undergoes transformation. At this exhibition, modernity takes centre stage in a collection that defies norms with bold strokes, vibrant tones, and
expressive typography. As part of the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, the exhibition explores calligraphy’s versatility and the evolving interplay of words and motion as letters and shapes break free from convention, celebrating fluidity and fusion on canvas.
As part of this selection, I am exhibiting two paintings from my new series: "Echo & Resonance"
Résonance 'Earth Sonata'
« Resonance » explores our relationship with the world, our impact on the earth, its sustainability and its evolution.It is a concept that emphasizes our interdependencies. The earth, the living, everything is resonance, vibrations and interactions.Moving waves that stimulate or confront each other, relationships are invisible and sometimes not perceptible but their effects are imprinted over time.The Earth resonates with our existence, with our relationships with each other, with our actions and often with our inactions. From this interaction is born a symphony, a sonata of the earth that can astonish and delight us just as it can shock and frighten us.
“Our actions today define our tomorrows”
Echo "Life Sonata"
« Echo » questions the notion of exitence. It only takes two letters “Kaf” and Nun” to form the word “to be”. But existence is a kind of echo in perpetual movement and constant transformation, through trials and evolution, time and space, the past and experience, actions and interactions. All these layers are printed throughout life, like traces, like imprints to explore, like a story to tell: A Life Sonata.
Like the Growth Rings of trees which not only tell us about their age but they also allow us to read the weather of their past and the trials they faced.
https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/events/Calligraphy-Biennale23
