Comparative Study By: Busra Baymaz

EL SEED Main Aim: To show and represent what Arabic actually means. The rationally Tunisian who was born and raised in Paris/France, El Seed, is a talented calligrapher. His works and art reflect the reality of people, which lure the viewers to be open- minded towards different perspectives. His main focuses are on the issues seem contradictory to people, in which his aim is to help people with seeing the real life from other aspects. What makes his pieces unique is the freshness of them since he does his works according to what he observes and experiences in his own life. Main Aim: To show and represent what Arabic actually means. Creating dialogue and promoting tolerance changes the global perceptions of the meaning of Arabic. Tools that El deals with: Installation and Sculpture “I don't plan my work in order to keep spontaneity and authenticity. I take inspiration from everything I see on a daily basis. Planning would take away the freshness and humanity from my work. It would make it mechanical, rational, the opposite of me” – El Seed

AYAD ALKADHI Ayad Alkadhi is an Iraqi calligrapher who was raised in New Zealand and New York City. Ayad has the desire to focus his art pieces on the ongoing social and political issues of Iraq and Middle East. Seemed and considered as a patriotic artist; Ayad uses Arabic newspaper on media from which the found ongoing issues are critiqued by him in his stylized way. Abstract images along with less political focused issues are his latest changes that were made. Main Aim: To critique and present the ongoing political and social issues of Iraq and Middle East. AND Using mixed-media canvases, calligraphy paintings TO captivate the viewers and lure them to research more about the unseen or ignore issues by most of the world, which affects Iraq. Tools that Ayad deals with: Mixed-media canvases, calligraphy and paintings . “Arabic lettering/calligraphy is our direct visual link to our heritage therefore it seem only natural to use it when telling a visual story on canvas” – Ayad Alkadhi.

NJA MAHDAOUI Main Aim: Without using any Nja Mahdaoui is a Tunisian choreographer whose biggest inspiration that lead his art mind is Arabic calligraphy. Because of Arabic´s aesthetic dimension of letters , which look rhythmic; Nja creates enriched abstract compositions. He is known for his meticulous labor and passion on his pieces in which they are referred to calligrams or graphemes. Designing monumental artworks proved to the world of how important he was to the art world. Main Aim: Without using any text or a message, Nja aims to put more focus on the effect if visual compositions. By that he invents a new and abstract calligraphy. Tools that he deals with: canvas, vellum, papyrus, arches paper, silkscreen print, book, poster, design, sculpture, aluminum, brass, melamine, drum, textile, embroidery, tapestry, ceramic, wood, jewelry, stained steel glass, architecture, planes… “Explorer of Signs” – Nja Mahdaoui

Personal Works and Intention The reason why I wanted to do my Comparative Study on Arabic Calligraphy is because I wanted to show my faith towards Islam. Muslims spend their times in mosques where they pray. Praying is one of the most effective ways to contact the God. In mosques, loads of calligraphies can be seen, which are prayer words. Prayer words are really important to learn because those are the only original words to communicate with the God. The reason why they are the only original words is that no any other language other than Arabic can be seen in a mosque. What makes these words crucial is that they are from the holy book of Muslims, which is called Quran.

BIBLIOGRAPHY PICTURES INFORMATION http://elseed-art.com/ http://www.cairoscene.com/ArtsAndCulture/eL-Seed-Where- Art-and-Voyeurism-Diverge https://www.palmspringslife.com/reconciling-the-present/ https://en.qantara.de/content/the-tunisian-calligrapher-nja- mahdaoui-building-the-future http://elseed-art.com/ https://www.ted.com/speakers/el_seed https://www.widewalls.ch/artist/ayad-alkadhi/ https://fann3arabi.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/ayad-alkadhi/ http://www.nja-mahdaoui.com/biography/