Passionate about calligraphy since early age. Originally from Iraq, now lives in Dubai, UAE. A civil engineer by practice. His degree in Civil Engineering, received from Basra University in 1996, complemented his artistic pursuits and offered him the skills necessary to excel at draftsmanship and design. His unique style borrows from the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional practitioners and the vibrancy of contemporary culture.

A calligrapher and designer of logotypes with over 20 years experience. Worked for well-known clients in branding design, advertising agencies and big corporations. In addition to the graphic applications of his calligraphic works, he has practiced calligraphy as an artform, producing fine art calligraphy pieces that are included in many private and public collections throughout the world. Participated in many local and international competitions and exhibitions and won many awards locally and internationally. Judge and a consultant for several local and international calligraphy functions and exhibitions. Wissam’s work has appeared in many books and publications featuring the art of calligraphy and logos.Selected pieces are part of important private collections across the world.

www.wissamshawkat.com

Finding anything visually interesting in Dubai can sometimes be a mission but every so often a gem shines out of the sand and reassures that there is a strong creative pulse here. So wandering around DIFC after being ejected from a religious art exhibition I managed to stumble across some altogther much more interesting arabic typography which reassured me that there’s more to life than AXT Advertising! Enjoy!

Dubai may be pretty dry and dusty this summer, particularly when it comes to anything creative going on but fear not Ubik’s first solo show at Jam Jar Al Quoz provides ample refreshment for those bored at staring at sandy walls and melting in the 50 degree heat.After being in residence at Jam Jar for two weeks Ubik opened the doors to his first Solo show. Still very much a philosophical artist wrestling with notions of self awareness and self contradictions, Ubik seems to have reached a level of rawer expression in his work. Using found objects and a more primal style of mark making the show definately stands as a turning point in Ubik’s development as an artist.

A joint piece done outside Jam Jar in Al Quoz stumbled upon on a trip to see Ubik’s work in progress.

A selection of architectural models and drawings from students of the school of Architecture and Design at the American University of Sharjah 2001-2009.

By Mehdi Aboulfaouz