Dubai Expo 2006-2007

On Arabic Calligraphy























































Here is a packet of cigarettes, Mars Light from Tunisia. I would like you to take a look at the graphics at the bottom of the pack highlighted in thick white writing. This is a reference to the work of Belkhodja.



Nejib was a man who didn't like to mince his words. He was direct and totally to the point and this is reflected in his art. Many in the region see his work as abstract Arabic calligraphy but they forget that he is both Dutch and Tunisian. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nejib never wavered from the idea of his architectural blue prints of the Medina. The language of the Medina is most interesting. The narrow streets could be seen as conversation, whispers or rumours as they weed in and out of the architectural plans. Make of it what you will but in one of Nejib's last works, which was seen a few months before his death in the Middle East he wanted to make a strong statement to the Calligraphers and a precise point to the unknowing western world.




He felt that the glorified Calligraphers were mere pretenders and in this work he signed his name in Arabic calligraphy just to show the world that it was possible but not important. The white signature on the left hand side is the signature of the artist in Arabic. He wanted to prove to other artists that it was a simple procedure but essentially not what his work had been all about. In this way he is simply mocking the pretenders and showing them a new direction. The direction of the modern.

For example where would Shakespeare be in history if England glorified the Calligrapher...The world would be a very different place if the praise went to the Calligrapher over and above the words of the writer and in this way Nejib is right. We must be grateful to him for pointing this important fact out. Every art form has it's place and we should distance ourselves from being confused when calligraphy merges into literature and often the Calligrapher is regarded as a prominent artist. This is more obvious within the Arab Nations than the African Nations.

What I love about these series of images is his obvious flirtation with graphic design. Throughout his life Nejib had tried to introduce the optical illusion and although it might seen like a flirtation with graphic design it is more about the harmony of colours. He was constantly trying to show us a new way of seeing. To create a new colour where there is none. Throughout his life he tried to introduce us to the optical illusion thus becoming the magical artist that he was.