Wissam Shawkat: Transforming war images into art

Growing up in Iraq, Wissam Shawkat always had a passion for art. As a small boy living amidst the Iran/Iraq war, the 1980s brought about visions that most young children his age should never be subjected to. As a form of escapism, Shawkat transformed these everyday war images into art and dreamt to pursue a career in the field, despite reservations from many at that time. Today he is noted as one of the Middle East’s most respected calligraphers.

As part of Dubai Art Season, Shawkat speaks to Khaleej Times about his upcoming public art show, ‘Calligraphy in the City’, which will run until April 21 along Dubai’s City Walk, giving passersby the opportunity to see the talented artist in action. 

What is your earliest memory of actively involving yourself in art?

When I was six, I used to draw a lot. I drew war scenes, airplanes, things like that, because at that time in the 80s I was used to seeing those types of things because of the Iraq/Iran war that was going on.

Was art something you always wanted to pursue?

Yes. I think when I was a youth I always loved art. When I started doing calligraphy at the age of 10, I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. 

When did your passion turn into a serious career in art?

When I graduated from civil engineering in Iraq. At that time there were no good schools for arts and the idea of being an artist was not viewed as something worth pursuing. When I graduated in 1986, I hated civil engineering and I realised that I had wasted my time. However, I feel that engineering taught me to be more structured, which is something I can bring to my art. I used to draw buildings, and I enjoyed that and I remember my professor used to take my drawings and show them to others. My artistry was appreciated as perfect and clean. That made me feel good. 

When are you at your most creative?

When I sit in my studio at home at my own calligraphy board and do new sketches. That’s when the new ideas flow. Sometimes, when I’m sitting at a coffee shop and I see something beautiful, it can inspire a new project, too. It’s all situational inspiration. 

Where did the inspiration for your latest art creation, ‘Calligraphy in the City’, come from?

From the main body of work I’ve been doing for some time. ‘Calligraphy in the City’ is the main design and the artwork I’m going to do as part of Dubai Art Season is a continuation of the same style. In the past, I’ve used letters that are letters of love, so this time around, I am happy to be using the theme of ‘love’ again.

You are carrying out this particular piece of art along City Walk, which is open for everyone to see. What are the benefits of involving yourself in this kind of street art?

I don’t consider it street art. Street art is different. I know people think it is like graffiti, but I am doing calligraphy on a canvas in a public space. I prefer to call it public art.

I know the audience wants to see people at work, see how artists write the words and see them in them throughout the whole process, so this gives them the opportunity to witness this. 

Please describe ‘Calligraphy in the City’ in one sentence.

A visual music. 

You exhibit in the UAE a lot, where art is still gaining momentum. How are people in the Middle East reacting to your work?

Calligraphy in the Middle East is gaining momentum. People love calligraphy here and they love engagement in general. When I exhibit my art when I’m trying to work towards modern art, it’s interesting to see people engaged in it. Most of my fans are from the Middle East actually.

Does exhibiting in the Middle East differ from other parts of the world?

I wouldn’t say it is different. But it may be seen as different from the audiences’ side. I had my first exhibition in New York in 2011. I exhibited a modern calligraphy. If you show a traditional calligraphy, people see it as a museum, so its important to look forward and to evolve. I’ve reached a point where we have to evolve. People here may love a classic piece so I feel it’s important to show the evolution of calligraphy, because I see that people engage in that. It’s important for it to be modern because this is what makes it different. 

Do you think artists are ‘born artists’?

I think so, yes. But everyone who is born has a talent, it just depends what talent that is as there are many fields. Every person can involve themselves in art, even if they make a profession out of it. Even chefs who make good food, that’s like an art form. 

What’s in the pipeline for Wissam and what can we expect to see from you next?

I’m working on a new body of work, involving abstract pieces, so there will be a solo show happening soon. I’m always looking to create something new.

— kelly@khaleejtimes.com