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Quran audience spellbound by calligrapher’s masterpiece

Iraqi artist Hakim Ghannam's masterpiece featured the first and greatest seven-verse chapter of the Holy Quran ‘Al Fatiha’.

Hakim Ghannam at work. — Supplied photo

Dubai - Truely a master of calligraphy, the remarkable chef d’oeuvre of Iraqi artist Hakim Ghannam awed the audience at the Islamic and Arabic calligraphy exhibition being held on the sidelines of the 19th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.

His masterpiece featured the first and greatest seven-verse chapter of the Holy Quran ‘Al Fatiha’ that praises and talks about the greatness of God Almighty.

Ghannam —  equipped with a degree in calligraphy from the Symphonic Studies Institute, Iraq — said he learnt the art of Arabic calligraphy from a number of masters including Mohammed Awzjari (Turkey) as well as Ibrahim Zeinali and Rasoul Muradi (Iran).  However, he was accredited by Turkish calligrapher Mohammed Ozcay.

Having had full command of the skills of calligraphy, Ghannam has become a member of the Iraqi Calligraphers Association, a member of the Organising Committee of the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition (2007), and a member of the Emirates Plastic Arts Society and General Coordinator of ‘Al Burda Award’.

He has participated in a number of international art exhibitions in Denmark, Austria, Japan, Iran, France and the United Kingdom.

Speaking of Ghannam’s artworks, Iraqi art critic Rawdan Bahiyya said the creative career of calligrapher Hakim Ghannam clearly reflects his ability to wisely distribute his formations and skill in using colour.

“For example, his artworks are characterised by great harmony between the letters and the decorations surrounding them. They reflect the artist’s dedication to the art of calligraphy.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com