This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the distinctive visual language of Diwani calligraphy, a script known for its fluid movement, intricate connections, and expressive compositions. Through guided demonstrations and practical exercises, participants will explore the balance between artistic intuition and the structural principles that govern the script.
The workshop will examine proportion, rhythm, stroke movement, letter relationships, and composition, offering insight into how Diwani achieves both discipline and visual richness. Participants will engage directly with selected letterforms and compositions, gaining a deeper understanding of the script as both a historical calligraphic tradition and a continuing source of inspiration for contemporary typography and visual communication.
No previous calligraphy experience is required.
Anwar Al-Halawani is a Syrian calligrapher and visual artist, born in Aleppo in 1966. He graduated from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Aleppo, specializing in graphic design, and later received an ijazah in Arabic calligraphy from renowned calligrapher Sheikh Othman Taha. His practice encompasses a wide range of classical scripts, including Thuluth, Muhaqqaq, Kufic, Naskh, Diwani, Jali Diwani, and Jali Ta‘liq. Throughout his career, Al-Halawani has received numerous awards in international Arabic calligraphy competitions in Riyadh, Istanbul, Lahore, Abu Dhabi, and Madinah. In 2003, he contributed to transcribing three sections of the Mushaf Bilad al-Sham. His work combines rigorous knowledge of traditional calligraphic principles with a strong understanding of composition, rhythm, and visual form. He is a member of the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation.
Anwar Al-Halawani