JEDDAH — Traveling all the way from India, Shamim Qureshi, a talented calligrapher who was recently in Jeddah to exhibit her artwork left her audience deeply impressed. Whether its calligraphy of Qur'anic verses that she creatively etches on terracotta pots or her beautiful portrayal of different styles of calligraphy on canvas, this contemporary artist has a unique style of expression. Most of her work is inspired by Islamic calligraphy, as some call it Arabic Calligraphy, which encompass passages taken from the Qur'an and Hadith and is considered by Muslims as the highest form of art. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Qureshi expressed her delight at the overwhelming response from the local community and thanked them for their support and appreciation of her works. Her unique calligraphy of Qur'anic verses on terracotta pots are worth taking a look at. She has skillfully etched the first verse of Surah Al-Alaq in gold lettering on a black terracotta pot, and this masterpiece will soon be sent to Belgium to be displayed at a local museum where the artist will receive global recognition. The artist acquired professional training in commercial art calligraphy from the Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai in Urdu language and then mastered the art of calligraphy under the expert supervision of Aslam Kiratpuri, the only professional Lahori Nastalique (a type of Urdu font) calligrapher in India, who has inspired many youngsters to value the art of calligraphy. Following her professor's advice, she started practicing Arabic calligraphy and has produced famous artworks. Qureshi has been honored with 42 awards for her work so far, including the recent honorary title of “Bint-e-Hind” (Girl of India) which she received from Mumbai Art Academy on the occasion of International Women's Day. Her creations have been exhibited and greatly appreciated in several parts of India, including New Delhi and Mumbai. In addition, the artist has also exhibited her work at the International Quran Exhibition, Iran. Qureshi added that calligraphy in her homeland has limited commercial scope and if given a chance, she would love to exhibit her work in the Middle East, which is known to be the hub of calligraphic art lovers. When asked if the technology dominated era could negatively affect her handmade art calligraphy, she confidently said it wouldn't. “Art is a form of expression and no computer in the world can put feelings in an artwork just like humans do,” she said. — SG
