beautiful arabic calligraphy for graphic design and branding

I'm so fascinated by Arabic script. It's out of this world. Arabic calligraphy is a form of art that has superseded any other culture in its category. It's highly complex and has many layers of meaning. I won't go into details here, but for more info on Arabic Calligraphy and Typography click to www.sakkal.com.

" one of my favorite calligraphy artwork "

" This style, called zoomorphic calligraphy and some believe
it's developed because of the restriction of illustrating
living beings according to Muslim traditions. "

" Highly popular style where script are carefully layed out in miniature text
makes up of bigger sentence. Both the small and big text
are related and usually verses from the The Qur'an. "

" This showcase an ancient manuscript from Iraq.
Note that in those times using black and red inks to write was a must.
Later the red dots were replaced with other symbols that need not to be red. "

" Modern script that can be found on contemporary buildings in Arab World.
This example is a piece from a long text that goes all around the
building in Dubai. Note the geometric simplicity of the script. "

Arabic script and arabesque design are largely ignored outside the Middle East. Unlike many other languages that are used extensively as design elements even in the West, but Arabic didn't enter the mainstream culture. Japanese, Sanskrit characters and others are being use as t-shirts/popular graphic designs etc. Main reason why Arabic calligraphy didn't penetrate the pop culture, because it's very closely associated with religion and the usage of these styles may be a sensitive issue.

This is unfortunate, because Arabic calligraphy has a beautiful texture, which can be appreciated even if you don't read the text. However...for us Muslims, the script means so much more than just pretty design. The Qur'an and style of text are holy and there is no room for reinterpreting these visual elements modestly. The best calligraphers in the world today are mostly Turkish. But we do have great designer with good capability to provide contemporary Arabic/Modern design solutions.

Meet my respected friend Ghiath Lahham of www.ghiathlahham.com. Base in Dubai-UAE, he has been primarily engaged in the development of identity solutions for leading regional organizations. Formerly from GSCS Dubai, his work has been seen around the world, as he created the brand for Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's most luxurious hotel groups. He also created identities for Royal Jet, Nakheel, and other notable companies.

"note the Arabic words symbolize as a bird/duck.
visit www.nakheel.com "

I got this cool Arabic New York T-Shirt (now it's old and holy, but am still wearing it) on my last trip there around Atlantic Ave area, a section of Brooklyn. It a "mixed Arab" community area with quirky Arabs shops & cafes which I love exploring. I bought it because it amusing seeing Arabic calligraphy look so westernized. The most fascinating thing about this typo-calligraphy though is the font, created... almost like Latinized funkified Arabic, which is not something I've seen before. Now you can order them online from www.elsewares.com. I think the 'Arabic brand' already been known internationally now, just look at Al-Jazeera TV and Al-Jazeera magazine.

Tags|Design|Islam|Malaysian|Hatzputra