Wissam Shawkat

Wissam Shawkat

1974, Basra, Iraq
Lives and works in Dubai, UAE

Using a wide range of media, from ink and handmade paper to digital tools, Wissam Shawkat merges the techniques of classical Arabic calligraphy with modernist aesthetics to create works that transform traditional scripts into new compositions and forms. His work has been exhibited at the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, UAE (2008, 2012); Farjam Collection, Dubai (2009) and the Royal Library, Copenhagen, Denmark (2007), among other venues. Shawkat won multiple awards for calligraphy, including prizes at the Al Burda International Calligraphy Competition, Dubai (2006, 2007, 2008)and the Iraq Calligraphy Society Prize, Baghdad (2002). This person was part of Sharjah Biennial 11