Islamic Calligraphy Seven Paintings to Decor Your Space

Islamic calligraphy is a beautiful method of inscribing a message or royal legacy. It has been the  main component of Islamic art. Most importantly, calligraphy as a form of art is decorative and ornamental. It specifically uses scripts in more than a common way. For example, a particular letter or a word could be accentuated to make it into an appealing visual. However, in Islamic art, the islamic calligraphy has been particularly done through four basic components. They are calligraphy, vegetal patterns, geometric patterns, and figural representation. In addition, Arabic calligraphy is practised in different styles, which include Kufic, Nasqh, Diwani, Nastaliq, Maghrebi, Thuluth, Sini, among others. Each style varies with the way letters are inscribed or written. 

Before we explore severn paintings in Islamic calligraphy at Gallery 31, let us learn a bit more about its history and characteristics.

Islamic Calligraphy

Islamic art is beautiful, precise and diverse. Specifically Islamic calligraphy has been a crucial part of major Islamic art forms. The decorative and ornate Islamic scripts over plain inscription is unique and exceptional.

However, this unique style did not have one method of representation; rather it varied over timelines and regions. At the same time, many different Islamic scripts with respect to region and period, were used by calligraphers to decorate a certain space and object. In calligraphy, an artist could either experiment with a single letter or a sentence or an entire paragraph. With an history that resonated with the birth of the Islam religion, the primary aim is to produce an ornate appearance which appeals to the overall impact of the design. Concerning the application, some artists had and have been so expert that they would do the calligraphy in a single brushstroke. Among the many styles discussed above, Kufic was mainly used to inscribe the holy Quran.

Dramatic Layer of Letters

The dramatic play of layers subdued with calligraphy will be a treat to your drawing room. The spacious area of your house will seeks relaxation yet cheerfulness.

One Bold stroke Style

Just as we discussed how one letter could be highlighted into an appealing form. While the red strokes beam a light of vivacity and magnanimity, the Grey lines create a beautiful balance. This is one of the stylistic features of Islamic calligraphy.

A series of Abstracted Calligraphy

Islamic calligraphy could be wonderfully married to abstract expressionism. From being concrete with meaningful words to steering beyond the concepts, calligraphy can go totally abstract. Many modern and contemporary artists have resorted to this feature of islamic calligraphy.

Yet another example of abstract calligraphy replete with bold strokes and colors. Styling these kinds in one of the isolated corners of your bedroom will pump the space. The painting feels like  sudden emergence or enlightenment from the deep trenches of  subconscious.

A particular beam radiance when the background is treated well. While the black letters have their own strength, the merging and colorful backdrop adds an extravagant flavor to the whole painting. Many such series could be clubbed together for decorating a large living room wall.

Beyond Frames

One of the most interesting styles of calligraphers is to cover the entire canvas in mega strokes that outshine the negative space of the frame. Style such works in your alley or balcony to enhance the vivacious aura.

Ornate letters

Stepping further from the abstract calligraphy, the painting develops an innate sense of intricate decorative- the essence of the islamic architectural elements. Do not forget to choose the right upholstery shade when you decor your wall with this one!

Islamic calligraphy uses several scripts like Arabic, Kufic, among many others. Various periods observed the popularity of different scripts. While in some eras a certain script became popular, the other period gave importance to a particular style. But the art form of Islamic calligraphy sustained. However, today modern artists use it in different ways, quite different than what it originated from. You just have to listen to the strokes of these letters. Like the famous philosopher Rumi says, ““Sit, be still, and listen.”