Abu Dhabi, October 03: Works of seven Turkish artisans and calligraphers are on display at “The Art and Craft of Islamic Bookmaking” exhibition in the capital. The exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) will run until October 6.
The event is the part of the ongoing activities planned for the ‘Islam: Faith and Worship’ exhibition. While Arabic calligraphy is the art of beautiful and elegant handwriting with correct formation of characters, ‘Ebru’ is the art of printing multi-coloured swirls or stone-like patterns on paper after handmade natural inks or paints are dripped or sprinkled with handmade brushes on the surface of the thickened water.
Several popular Arabic scripts are on display at the ADACH, which include jalli diwani, thuluth, muhaqqaq, qotbi, maghribi kofic, naskhi and ta’liq. The works of Turkish artists and calligraphers, which are priced from $5 to $15,000, offer art lovers a wealth of insight into Islam. Ebru artist Ayla Makas said, “Since the art of marbling has a significant importance in Islamic art, I believe that it is essential to recall the basic principles of Islamic art in order to have a better and closer look at marbling and thereby reach a deeper understanding.”
Speaking of illumination, artist Asiye Kafalier said it is among the oldest arts in bookmaking… important manuscripts and the Holy Quran have been illuminated in diverse concepts and various styles through centuries. In Turkey, illumination is called ‘tezhib’ and artists who perform this art are called ‘Musehhib’. Meanwhile, the art of miniature focuses on paintings that are drawn in minute details on old manuscripts using paints and gold, explained miniature artist Taner Alakus, whose works are being showcased at the exhibition. Another artist whose artworks are on display, Janer Alakus, said, “I am displaying some of my selective classical arts. I am delighted to demonstrate my work here in Abu Dhabi for the first time. This is my first day here and the response from art lovers is paramount.” Serra Guney Ozkan, book-binder from Istanbul, said, “The book-binding art is not new and is being practised since centuries – in holy books like Quran, old and new Testaments, and various other scriptures.
Every time, we need new ideas to give a refreshing spiritual touch to such book covers, though the modern techniques in book binding are helpful, too.” The exhibition is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.
–Agencies