The highly acclaimed master of Arabic calligraphy and graphic design Wissam Shawkat takes us through his journey of creating five monumental calligraphic installations centered around the Union for Etihad Museum.
Wissam Shawkat - Calligraphic Installation Wissam Shawkat - Calligraphic Installation by Wissam ShawkatEtihad Museum
By immortalizing a selection of significant quotes, casting the words in lasting bronze, and showcasing the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, Shawkat’s installations reflect the purpose of the museum, which is to enrich the public’s understanding of the 1971 'Union Agreement', tell the story of the birth of the UAE, and both preserve and celebrate Emirati heritage.
Wissam Shawkat - Calligraphic InstallationEtihad Museum
The centerpiece of the magnificent collection is situated in Etihad Museum’s Visitor's Pavilion, and captures the opening quote of the United Arab Emirates’ Constitution in bronze.
The installation reads: "We, [the Rulers of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Qaiwain, Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah] whereas it is our desire and the desire of the people of our Emirates to establish a Union between these Emirates, to promote a better life, more enduring stability and a higher international status for the Emirates and their people."
Wissam Shawkat - Calligraphic InstallationEtihad Museum
Bringing the Founding Fathers’ words and devotion to life every detail of this piece displays the solid foundations of the nation for all to see.
Wissam Shawkat - Calligraphic InstallationEtihad Museum
These bronze-casted sculpture-scripts immortalize a selection of significant quotes that narrate the birth of the UAE, while celebrating the graceful grandeur of the Arabic language – a cornerstone of Emirati culture.
This installation features a quote by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates.
He calls for all citizens to join their hands and hearts and help him to build the nation.
Etihad Museum Interior – Founding Fathers SectionEtihad Museum
These words by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, reflect upon the UAE's new journey that started on the 2nd of December 1971 and the principles of wisdom, moderation, truth and justice that guide the Emirates and their people.
These monumental calligraphic installations invite visitors to share in the nation’s rich history.
Wissam Shawkat - Calligraphic InstallationEtihad Museum
They also strengthen civic pride in the Arabic language, the cornerstone of Emirati identity, through stimulating visual displays that demonstrate the power of the written word.
This installation, found in the sunken garden of Etihad Museum, features a quote by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.
Wissam Shawkat - Calligraphic InstallationEtihad Museum
Wissam Shawkat is an Iraqi national but is now based in Dubai. He fell in love with the calligraphic art form at the tender age of 10, when his childhood teacher wrote four Arabic characters on a blackboard during an art class.
He has since developed a unique style that borrows from both the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional practitioners and the vibrancy of contemporary culture, ensuring that calligraphy entrances the largest possible audience across various international cultures, while remaining true to its classical origins.
Wissam Shawkat - Corridors of CalligraphyEtihad Museum
Let master calligrapher, renowned graphic designer and accomplished artist, Wissam Shawkat, take you through his journey of creating five monumental calligraphic installations, commissioned for Etihad Museum.
