Hurufiyya: A Damascus Dialogue on Identity and Contemporary Art
The National Center for Visual Arts in Damascus recently hosted a significant artistic event titled “Hurufiyya: A Dialogue with Artist Aktham Tallaa.” Organized by the Fine Arts Department of the Syrian Ministry of Culture, the event aimed to highlight the evolution of Hurufiyya—the art of Arabic calligraphy—and its trajectory within both Syrian and broader Arab fine arts.
The event addressed the historical progression of Hurufiyya, tracing its roots from the origins of Arabic script to its modern and contemporary manifestations. The discussion featured an overview of major international artistic experiences in the field, with a special focus on the contributions of prominent Syrian artists who have enriched the art movement, including Mahmoud Hammad, Sami Burhan, Muhammad Ghannoum, and Walid Al-Agha.
A central theme of the event was the distinction between the traditional calligrapher, who adheres to strict rules and classical foundations, and the Hurufiyya artist, who treats the letter as a free visual element. Participants noted that the Hurufiyya artist imbues the letter with interpretive and exploratory dimensions that reflect personal inquiry and artistic identity, moving beyond the constraints often imposed by literary texts in traditional calligraphic contexts.
Artist Aktham Tallaa emphasized that Hurufiyya represents a vital trend in modern Arab fine arts due to its direct connection to cultural identity. Tallaa explained that fostering this art form is essential for preserving the Arab artistic legacy and presenting it with a contemporary vision, especially in light of the challenges posed by globalization and its impact on local identities.
Reflecting on his personal experience, Tallaa described his work as a synthesis of graphic techniques and painting, deeply influenced by place, memory, and environment. He noted the impact of his upbringing in refugee camps during the 1960s, asserting that Hurufiyya in his work is not a mere repetition or imitation, but rather a personal signature that conveys his inner thoughts and visual imagination.
Born in the village of Shukoum in the occupied Syrian Golan in 1963, Aktham Tallaa is a prominent figure in the Syrian art scene. A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Damascus and a member of both the Fine Artists Union and the Journalists Union, Tallaa has a distinguished history of international participation. He was awarded the Al-Burda Prize in Abu Dhabi in 2011, and his work is characterized by the integration of graphic expertise with the visual presentation of the Arabic letter.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
