UPDATE-Global success of Islamic calligraphy rests on awareness among Arab minorities, says Burj Khalifa typeface designer
Photo: Mamoun Sakkal's Shilia typeface used for the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE / Courtesy Mamoun Sakkal
*Updates to include the Grand Prize at Granshan International Type Design Competition 2016
The widespread distribution of Arab minority communities and their limited awareness of Islamic calligraphy are impeding the growth of this artistic tradition, world-renowned calligrapher Mamoun Sakkal told Salaam Gateway.
Islamic calligraphy in non-Muslim markets has long been confined to galleries and exhibitions. In recent years, however, the handwriting art has slowly emerged in American, European and Australian architectural projects, mainly mosques and Islamic cultural centres but also in private residences for aesthetic purposes.
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