Saudi Artist Redefines Traditional Art Forms with Calligraffiti
Ahmed Al-Sulaimani, a talented artist based in Riyadh, is revolutionizing the art scene by merging Arabic calligraphy with graffiti-inspired techniques.
His journey into the world of calligraffiti began during a calligraphy course in school, where he fell in love with the intricate art form.
Driven by the expressive power of written words, Al-Sulaimani started blending ancient Arabic calligraphy with bold and dynamic graffiti styles.
The Riyadh-based artist designed Arabic signage for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. (Instagram/asofficial___ )
“Calligraffiti is a fusion of Arabic calligraphy and graffiti art,” explained Al-Sulaimani. “I use graffiti techniques to create Arabic letters in a unique and expressive way.”
His innovative approach has not only attracted art enthusiasts but also led to exciting opportunities, such as collaborating with Jeddah Municipality on a large-scale public art mural.
“This project allowed me to showcase Arabic calligraphy on a grand scale and inspired me to continue exploring its use in public art,” he shared.
HIGHLIGHT
Ahmed Al-Sulaimani’s projects include a mural collaboration with Jeddah municipality that marked his first foray into large-scale public art.
Following his success in Jeddah, Al-Sulaimani was chosen by the ministry to create murals in 10 cities across Saudi Arabia, showcasing his talent on bridges, towers, and public spaces.
His most notable achievement was designing Arabic signage for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, featuring towering structures with Qur’anic phrases that captivated audiences worldwide.
“The towers, some as tall as 40 meters, displayed Qur’anic phrases that highlighted the diversity of human experiences,” he added.
Ahmed Al-Sulaimani’s work is infused with powerful Quranic verses and Islamic themes, serving as a captivating gateway for viewers to explore the profound meaning behind the intricate calligraphic forms. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Beyond murals, Al-Sulaimani has shared his expertise internationally, teaching Arabic calligraphy to Harvard students in Saudi Arabia and promoting the beauty of the Arabic language.
He is currently developing his own Arabic font, blending different calligraphic styles to create a font that represents Saudi identity.
“I aim to bring this unique art form to the forefront and showcase the richness and versatility of the Arabic language.”
– Ahmed Al-Sulaimani, Saudi artist
His goal is to release the font by the end of the year for digital use, further promoting Saudi culture and heritage.
Al-Sulaimani’s work goes beyond art; it serves as a medium to share Islamic culture with the world, with Qur’anic verses and Islamic themes embedded in his calligraffiti.
Despite challenges and skepticism from established artists, Al-Sulaimani remains determined, inventing new tools and techniques to overcome obstacles and make his mark in the contemporary art scene.
With passion and creativity, this Saudi artist is shedding light on the Kingdom’s cultural richness and making a lasting impact on the art world.