Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar - VCUQ, Doha - Gallery news: VCUQatar Presents 'Calligraphy: Tradition to Contemporary Practice' lecture, 15 September, 7:00 PM

VCUQatar Presents 'Calligraphy: Tradition to Contemporary Practice' lecture, 15 September, 7:00 PM (15.9.2009)

VCUQatar Presents Calligraphy: Tradition to Contemporary Practice

Doha, Qatar - Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar's Graphic Design Department presents a lecture by renowned Iraqi calligrapher Wissam Shawkat entitled 'Calligraphy: Tradition to Contemporary Practice' on 15, September 2009 at 7:00 PM at the atrium in VCUQatar. Iftar is at 6:00 PM and the public is invited to both the iftar and the lecture.

'Calligraphy: Tradition to Contemporary Practice' will focus on Wissam's work over the years that has encompassed traditional to contemporary forms of calligraphy. Originally from Iraq, Wissam now lives in Dubai. A civil engineer by practice, Wissam was passionate about Arabic calligraphy from a very young age. He taught himself calligraphy by closely observing Turkish calligraphy masters. He has participated in many local and international competitions and exhibitions where his works have been noticed across the Middle East as well as in Denmark, Austria and Germany.

In addition to his involvement in the preparation of several international calligraphy events - including the Dubai International Calligraphy Exhibition, Wissam is also a jury member for many competitions - he is a regular contributor for the quarterly Hroof Arabiya and has designed many logos for companies, institutions, books, magazines and newspapers as well as unique calligraphic works for museums and private collections around the world. Currently, Wissam works as a senior designer and consultant, specialized in brand identity and Arabic typography with global branding and advertising agencies in the UAE and abroad. In Dubai, his most noticeable works include a calligraphy wall at the Cultural and Scientific Association, the design of the calligraphy at the Majed Al Futtaim Mosque and the calligraphy and design of the wall graphics at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

'Calligraphy: Tradition to Contemporary Practice' will take place on 15 September, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the Atrium at VCUQatar with the Iftar at 6:00 PM. The iftar and lecture are open to the public.

About Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar:
Established in the US in 1838 and in Qatar in 1998, Virginia Commonwealth University offers students from all over the world the opportunity to earn Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in fashion, graphic, interior design and painting & printmaking and a Master of Fine Arts degree in design studies. A team of highly skilled professors provide rigorous curricula that prepare students to assume leadership roles in the professional design field of their choice. VCUQatar regularly organizes and hosts exhibitions, gallery events, world-class conferences and holds an annual fashion show. VCUQatar is supported and funded by the Qatar Foundation. For more information please visit www.qatar.vcu.edu

About Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development
Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Qatar Foundation is a private, non-profit organization committed to the principle that a nation's greatest natural resource is its people. The headquarters of Qatar Foundation are located within its flagship project, Education City, a fourteen million square-meter campus which hosts numerous progressive learning institutions and centers of research, including branch campuses of six of the world's leading universities, plus a cutting-edge research and development center. Qatar Foundation also works to enhance the quality of life in Qatar by investing in community health and development.
For more information please visit: http://www.qf.org.qa

Images:
Wissam Shawkat at VCUQatar with some of his work in the background

Wissam’s work incorporating traditional styles of calligraphy

Wissam’s work incorporating traditional calligraphy

Wissam’s work incorporating contemporary styles calligraphy

Wissam’s work incorporating contemporary styles calligraphy