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Islamic calligraphy was developed from Arabic writing that predates Islam. Calligraphy is used as a marker of religious and intellectual cultivation, and is used to inscribe the word of God through the Qur’an. The art form has matured as a communicative script and is also used in an artistic manner to create calligraphic works, decorations for mosques, and other objects.

Students will enjoy hands-on instruction in learning the dynamics of traditional writing tools and will be shown how to write Arabic alphabets in a classical style.

Co-presented with The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, this workshop complements Asia Society's Wondrous Worlds: Art & Islam Through Time & Place exhibition. Featuring more than 100 outstanding works of art, the exhibition showcases the long history, vast geographic expanse, and amazing diversity of works of art in the Islamic world. Workshop participants receive FREE admission to the exhibtion the day of the workshop.

About the Instructor

Munther Yousef was born in Algeria and became interested in calligraphy in the first grade, when he learned to write with feather quills and ink. He continued to study on his own and under his cousin, who taught Arabic calligraphy at the University of Jordan. Over the course of three years, he attended summer classes to learn the five Arabic alphabets. He has incorporated his skills into past employment in graphic design and at the Arab American Cultural and Community Center in Houston.

Education and outreach programs at Asia Society Texas Center are made possible through generous funding from Karen Chang and the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation. Generous funding also provided by the Friends of Asia Society Texas Center, a premier group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional programming and exhibitions to Asia Society Texas Center. This workshop is presented in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with additional assistance from the Islamic Arts Society.

Program Sponsors

Co-Presenter

Presenting Partner