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Tunisian artist Abdallah Akar

Born in Tunisia, Abdallah Akar arrived in France to pursue Science studies at Paris VII University. Very quickly, and almost naturally, he felt drawn to the visual arts. In 1980, he met an Iraqi calligrapher, Ghani Alani who has since been a powerful influence in Akar’s artistic development. In the following years, he exhibited in France as well as in Tunisia. During this time, he shared his time between Calligraphy, and multiple collaborations at the INSTITUT du MONDE ARABE, Paris, as well as numerous seminars in France and around the world and established his Val d’Oise studio – close to Paris.

During the early 2000s, he completed an Installation: 16 textiles richly decorated with calligraphy, a tribute to the Pre-Islamic poetry, followed in 2007 by a publication of Poèmes Suspendus (Muallaq’at) edited in both languages, French and Arabic.

Abdallah Akar is always searching for a renewed rendition of the calligraphic language, exploring mediums such as fabric, canvas, wood and even glass. He shows his work extensively in Europe and is a well known artist on the Middle Eastern contemporary art scene.

Abdallah's works will be displayed at Lahd Gallery until December 14, as part of the exhibition Arabic Calligraphy: The Art of The Written Word.

Don't miss Lahd Gallery's current exhibition 'Arabic Calligraphy: The Art of The Written Word'

On October 20 2011, Lahd Gallery opened its first calligraphic art exhibition in London featuring several artists from around the world. The exhibition traces the art of calligraphy to its historical origins and explores how it has developed into an exacting craft of high aesthetic sensibility.The participating artists come from varied and diverse backgrounds: Abdallah Akar and Julien Breton both from France, Madny Al Bakry from Oman, Shukor Yahya from Malaysia, Hamid Nasir from Pakistan and India born Said Adrus residing in the UK . From an early time, calligraphy became the most important art form in the Middle East, connected to all aspects of its rich and immense cultural heritage. Across several centuries, the Arabic character has been the sphere of continuous innovation and this subtle art form has further transformed into some of the contemporary forms that are seen today.

Arabic Calligraphy: The Art of The Written Word demonstrates how the different artistic styles unify a common thought as a reflection of human culture. Calligraphy is an art that is not only visually appealing, but it contains a strong message as well. The underlying essence of Arabic calligraphy remains in the power of the words and offers a strong link to its rich early heritage.

Lahd Gallery has teamed up with Fashion ComPassion, the premium ethical fashion house which supports and empowers marginalised and underprivileged women from Asia and the Middle East. A range of limited edition bags and jewellery inspired by the art of calligraphy at the exhibition is shown.