(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Across Qatar Foundation's Education City, a diverse collection of works of art can be found – all open for the public to experience, explore, enjoy, and learn from.
The home for each of these pieces of art is chosen carefully; in line with this, 'Nun wa al Qalam' – an artwork that embodies the essence of Islamic cultural heritage – is housed at Qatar National Library (QNL), encourages creative thinking and cross-cultural dialogue, and contributes to the library being a place not only for reading but for benefiting from what art can tell us.
Anyone walking into the main foyer at QNL will notice the striking anthropomorphic Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns comprising Nun wa al Qalam, whose name takes inspiration from a verse in the Holy Quran that translates as“By the pen and what they write.” It is all about fluidity, bright colors, and delicate curves, designed and created by Iranian calligrapher, visual artist, and architect Ramin Shirdel in 2018.
Abeer Al Kuwari, Director of Research and Learning Services at QNL
Abeer Al Kuwari, Director of Research and Learning Services at QNL, says,“Nun wa al Qalam is a symbol of Qatar's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing the modern world.
“The artwork reflects Qatar National Library's efforts to promote and preserve the development of the Arabic language locally and regionally. This is reflected through the library's extensive collection of Arabic books, unrivaled digital resources, and ongoing support for Arabic writers and publishers.”
Al Kuwari explained that Nun wa al Qalam expresses Shirdel's“innovative and contemporary approach to Islamic calligraphy” by using a three-dimensional design of words in Arabic calligraphy to“create a sense of movement and flow.”
“As visitors stand in front of Nun wa al Qalam, they cannot help but feel a sense of awe and wonder,” she said.“The artwork is more than just a work of art; it is a testament to the power of art to inspire, enlighten, and bring people together.
“As a beacon of cultural preservation and intellectual pursuit, the Qatar National Library finds its essence encapsulated within the mesmerizing strokes of Nun wa al Qalam. Its presence within the library's walls solidifies its role as an institution dedicated to safeguarding the treasures of the past while fostering the limitless potential of the future.”
Speaking about his artistic driving force, the creator and designer of Nun wa al Qalam, Ramin Shirdel, said:“Over the past decade, I have regarded my artworks as a union between space and object, taking the form of fluid sculptures.
Ramin Shirdel
“When I create art, it is consistently an endeavor to blur the boundaries between various mediums and achieve a convergence of architecture, sculpture, painting, and poetry. Unlike the conventional use of words and text, which often emphasizes stylistic writing, I am intrigued by how words can be read and experienced within a spatial context.
“My interest lies in exploring how words can be perceived and visualized, transforming them into an immersive journey that transcends the traditional confines of language”
Looking back at the task he was commissioned to undertake by QNL – the creation of Nun wa al Qalam – Shirdel recalled:“The QNL piece was essential to me in many ways.
“I was collaborating with [QNL architect] Rem Koolhaas in what is one of the most influential and essential contemporary architecture buildings to me. So, the work had to be a harmonious addition to this beautifully orchestrated space.
“Creating art for a strong cultural institution like Qatar Foundation and for this library – a cradle of innovation, arts, and knowledge – was very intriguing.”
Born in 1981 and a Tehran University of Arts graduate, Shirdel has held exhibitions of his work across many countries across the Arab world and beyond.
When it comes to Nun wa al Qalam, his fundamental idea was to incorporate Arabic calligraphy in“vibrant magenta,” saying:“By leveraging the dynamic nature of the library, where visitors can navigate different levels and enjoy visual connections from various orientations, the artwork's form engages people from multiple angles and perspectives.
“This work takes on a poetic quality. It is like a poem with rhythm and rhyme, inviting people to read it – much like the books within Qatar National Library,” said Shirdel.