Biography
Narjes is an accomplished artist, having graduated with honors from Zayed University’s College of Arts and Creative Enterprises with a BFA in Interior Design. Since 2000, she has dedicated herself to the art of Arabic calligraphy, earning international recognition for her exceptional talent. Her artistic journey began at a young age when she was captivated by the intricate wooden works crafted by her carpenter father. Inspired by a calligraphy masterpiece brought home by her father’s calligrapher friend, Narjes delved into the world of calligraphy, spending hours perfecting her handwriting and emulating the mesmerizing strokes.
In 2004, Narjes received her first international award from IRCICA in Istanbul, marking the beginning of her global recognition. She continued to impress the art community, earning another award at the Algeria International Cultural Festival in Tlemcen in 2011. Narjes showcases her artistic prowess through various mediums, ranging from classical calligraphy plates to modern paintings, murals, and sculptures. Her work has graced prestigious locations such as the Women’s Museum, where she implemented the permanent calligraphy murals known as “Diwan Osha.” Additionally, she has contributed captivating façade artwork to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and created numerous artworks and murals for projects including Emaar’s Boulevard Plaza Towers, Arady’s Central Park Towers in DIFC, and the RAK Investment Authority.
Not only has Narjes left her mark on physical spaces, but she has also ventured into the realm of design and branding. Her talent and creativity have been showcased through the workshops for international brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Hermes, Chanel, Rolls Royce, Gucci, and many more. Furthermore, she has collaborated with luxurious brands in designing fragrance bottles, infusing her distinctive Arabic calligraphy style into their visual identity.
One of Narjes’s notable achievements is the introduction of Sheikh Zayed’s poem, “How Beautiful This World Is,” in an opera performance in collaboration with the Royal Opera House in London. Her Arabic calligraphy art influenced the stage design, fashion, and choreography, creating a mesmerizing fusion of visual and performing arts.
Alongside her artistic endeavors, Narjes is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise. She has conducted numerous open calligraphy workshops, engaging with the public and inspiring others to explore the beauty and intricacies of this ancient art form. Her workshops have been held at various events organized by renowned entities such as the Dubai Culture, Sharjah Department of Culture, Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) in Istanbul, and other international organizations.
Narjes’s artistic journey has been punctuated by her participation in numerous local and international exhibitions since 2001. Notable exhibitions include “Volumes and Masses” at The Cultural & Scientific Association in Dubai in 2023, curating the Al Owais First Arabic Calligraphy Symposium’s “The Golden Exhibition” in Dubai in 2022, and showcasing her work at the Yeditepe Biennial in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2022. Her art has also been displayed at esteemed venues like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the Riyadh National Museum in Saudi Arabia, and the Baghdad International Biennial of the Art of Arabic Calligraphy in Iraq.
With an unwavering passion for Arabic calligraphy, Narjes continues to push boundaries and seek new ways to elevate this ancient art form. Her contributions to the world of calligraphy, design, and branding have made a lasting impact. Through her art, workshops, and collaborations with international brands, Narjes inspires others, fosters appreciation for Arabic calligraphy, and leaves an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.
In 2004, Narjes received her first international award from IRCICA in Istanbul, marking the beginning of her global recognition. She continued to impress the art community, earning another award at the Algeria International Cultural Festival in Tlemcen in 2011. Narjes showcases her artistic prowess through various mediums, ranging from classical calligraphy plates to modern paintings, murals, and sculptures. Her work has graced prestigious locations such as the Women’s Museum, where she implemented the permanent calligraphy murals known as “Diwan Osha.” Additionally, she has contributed captivating façade artwork to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and created numerous artworks and murals for projects including Emaar’s Boulevard Plaza Towers, Arady’s Central Park Towers in DIFC, and the RAK Investment Authority.
Not only has Narjes left her mark on physical spaces, but she has also ventured into the realm of design and branding. Her talent and creativity have been showcased through the workshops for international brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Hermes, Chanel, Rolls Royce, Gucci, and many more. Furthermore, she has collaborated with luxurious brands in designing fragrance bottles, infusing her distinctive Arabic calligraphy style into their visual identity.
One of Narjes’s notable achievements is the introduction of Sheikh Zayed’s poem, “How Beautiful This World Is,” in an opera performance in collaboration with the Royal Opera House in London. Her Arabic calligraphy art influenced the stage design, fashion, and choreography, creating a mesmerizing fusion of visual and performing arts.
Alongside her artistic endeavors, Narjes is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise. She has conducted numerous open calligraphy workshops, engaging with the public and inspiring others to explore the beauty and intricacies of this ancient art form. Her workshops have been held at various events organized by renowned entities such as the Dubai Culture, Sharjah Department of Culture, Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) in Istanbul, and other international organizations.
Narjes’s artistic journey has been punctuated by her participation in numerous local and international exhibitions since 2001. Notable exhibitions include “Volumes and Masses” at The Cultural & Scientific Association in Dubai in 2023, curating the Al Owais First Arabic Calligraphy Symposium’s “The Golden Exhibition” in Dubai in 2022, and showcasing her work at the Yeditepe Biennial in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2022. Her art has also been displayed at esteemed venues like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the Riyadh National Museum in Saudi Arabia, and the Baghdad International Biennial of the Art of Arabic Calligraphy in Iraq.
With an unwavering passion for Arabic calligraphy, Narjes continues to push boundaries and seek new ways to elevate this ancient art form. Her contributions to the world of calligraphy, design, and branding have made a lasting impact. Through her art, workshops, and collaborations with international brands, Narjes inspires others, fosters appreciation for Arabic calligraphy, and leaves an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.
Statement
My artistic journey began in a home filled with my father’s intricate wooden craftsmanship, sparking my passion for handcrafts and attention to detail. At the age of eight, I discovered Arabic calligraphy through a masterpiece brought home by my father, and I became enamored with its graceful strokes.
Seeking to master this art form, I studied at the Sharjah Calligraphy Institute and learned from esteemed calligraphy masters in Istanbul and Tehran. Arabic calligraphy, deeply rooted in our cultural heritage, has always been a significant part of our visual language, translating profound messages into stunning works of art.
Throughout my career, I have incorporated Arabic calligraphy into various projects. Notable examples include adorning the façade of the Residency & Foreigners Affairs Headquarters in Dubai with poetry verses and creating captivating murals that narrate the history of RAK. I also embarked on an ambitious opera project, infusing the stage design, fashion, and choreography with the beauty of Arabic calligraphy.
Continuously exploring new methods, I integrate calligraphy-derived patterns into different fields. Notably, I designed the mesmerizing “Shining Letters” chandelier showcased at the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, and I continue to create captivating sculpture installations.
In summary, my artistic journey is driven by a deep appreciation for Arabic calligraphy, and I strive to inspire others through its timeless beauty. By merging tradition and innovation, I aim to bring our cultural heritage to life and showcase the endless possibilities of this art form.
Seeking to master this art form, I studied at the Sharjah Calligraphy Institute and learned from esteemed calligraphy masters in Istanbul and Tehran. Arabic calligraphy, deeply rooted in our cultural heritage, has always been a significant part of our visual language, translating profound messages into stunning works of art.
Throughout my career, I have incorporated Arabic calligraphy into various projects. Notable examples include adorning the façade of the Residency & Foreigners Affairs Headquarters in Dubai with poetry verses and creating captivating murals that narrate the history of RAK. I also embarked on an ambitious opera project, infusing the stage design, fashion, and choreography with the beauty of Arabic calligraphy.
Continuously exploring new methods, I integrate calligraphy-derived patterns into different fields. Notably, I designed the mesmerizing “Shining Letters” chandelier showcased at the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, and I continue to create captivating sculpture installations.
In summary, my artistic journey is driven by a deep appreciation for Arabic calligraphy, and I strive to inspire others through its timeless beauty. By merging tradition and innovation, I aim to bring our cultural heritage to life and showcase the endless possibilities of this art form.
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