"A unique exhibition of its kind showing a selection of works by two of the most influential Tunisian artists whose approaches inspired by Arabic calligraphy have established a unique distinctive work of art, strongly impregnated by spirituality."
Elmarsa in collaboration with Lina Lazaar is proud to bring major figures of Arab art Nja Mahdaoui and Khaled Ben Slimane together in the exhibition Mapping azimuth, two calligraphical ascensions as part of Jaou - Jeddah Art Week's second edition. A unique exhibition of its kind showing a selection of works by two of the most influential Tunisian artists whose approaches inspired by Arabic calligraphy have established a unique distinctive work of art, strongly impregnated by spirituality.
Self-proclaimed "choreographer of letters", Nja Mahdaoui uses the Arabic script for aesthetic purpose, without never expressing meaning. He created a rhythmic flow, a melodic gesture that reveals the pure artistic dimension of the letter. His calligraphy refers to the aesthetic contemplations of beauty, but overall to the most free and spiritual notions of art.
The art of Khaled Ben Slimane is one of an "alchemist." Inspired by Arab-Islamic heritage and ancestral know-how in pottery, his work integrates Arabic script, shapes and signs as mystical elements of composition. He draws not only upon traditional Arabic uses of script but also upon the rich Islamic art, carefully balancing spirituality with visual form.
