Nabad’s current exhibition, “Contemporary Calligraphic Art in the Arab World,” has been extended until 24 February 2010.

The exhibition features thirteen renowned artists from seven Arab countries. Lebanese artist and writer Etel Adnan’s famous art books in inks and watercolours on Japanese paper are on display. You can also view detailed drawings executed in 1975 by the late Jordanian artist and Islamic art expertJamal Badran, as well as a sample of his illuminated calligraphic work. Also from Jordan, new works by Omar Bilbeisi, rich traditional calligraphic pastels by Farouk Lambaz and ceramic reliefs and prints by the doyen of ceramics and calligraphy, Mahmoud Taha.

Also on display is a large work on canvas and four delicate paintings on handmade paper by Algerian-French artist,Mahjoub Ben Bella. Ben Bella creates a rich tapestry of colour using abstracted Arabic letters as a foundation for his work. “Whispers of the Nile” is the title of a series of four evocative monoprints in transparent azure blues and reds by Sudanese painter and printmaker Rashid Diab. Young Egyptian calligrapher Sameh Ismail utilizes the Arabic letter and a minimum number of brush strokes to create elegant compositions in warm natural tones.

London-based Palestinian artist Laila Shawa’s two stunning compositions in Kufic script are witness to her artistic versatility, being also known for her powerful socio-political prints, sculptures and installations. Also based in London is Palestinian artist Rima Farah, whose skilful limited-edition prints she describes as a celebration of “Arab roots, love and Sufi poetry.” Jerusalem-based Suleiman Mansour is well known to contemporary Arab art enthusiasts. Three calligraphic oils in his characteristic earth tones are on display. Syrian artist Khaled al-Saai’s expertly executed waves of overlapping thuluth script are inspired by poetry, music and Sufi philosophy.

Also on display are important works by the late Iraqi painter Madiha Umar (1908-2005), who pioneered the modern use of Arabic calligraphy in abstract painting. “Every letter of the Arabic alphabet has sufficient potential and dynamic character to produce an abstract image,” she wrote.

Check out what JO had to say about the exhibition here.