Quran's beauty on oil and canvas

Many unique artistic masterpieces of verses from the Quran in different traditional styles of Arabic calligraphy are currently on display at the Holy Quran exhibition in an art gallery in Dubai's Al Quoz.The Courtyard of Total Arts is exhibiting exquisite oil paintings by prominent Iranian artists of old manuscripts and works of calligraphy on the Quran. The exhibition, which runs from August 1 to 30, is titled "The Spring of the Quran", according to one of the organisers, who gave his name as Bhupesh.Among the artists participating in the exhibition are Amir A. Falsafi, Esrafi Shirchi, Ali Shirazi and Mohammad Yaghoubian. The oil paintings attempt, through the ancient and traditional Islamic art of calligraphy, to explore the beauty of the Quran's texts, Bhupesh said. He also expressed his thanks to the people promoting a "Quranic culture", and described the Quran as the book that leads man towards "the apex of perfection". The exhibition reveals a variety of ancient calligraphic scripts that were employed over the centuries including Hijazi, Kufic, Thuluth, Muhaqqaq, Naskh and Rihani. Master calligraphers of the time, as early as in the fourth century, followed strict rules of design, making their artistic representation of the Quran masterpiece of illustration, graceful ornamentation and overall sophistication. "No individuals and no families are without the need for the Quran and this exhibition has useful items and concepts for everyone," said Ahmad Ali, one of the visitors A great number of artwork concerning the holy book have been showcased at the exhibit, Ali added"Islamic calligraphy has always occupied a special place in Arab civilisation and culture, and has been acclaimed around the world for its inspired and expressive nature," said Muna Rami, a vistor. From / Gulf News