With Spring officially here and Winter blues receding, we turn our thoughts to a month packed with art. So what does May mean to you? What will you choose from - the Gallery weekend in Berlin, Paris Photo LA, the
56th
Venice
Biennale,
Frieze NY, 1:54 NY, Art 15 London, Photo London, or the innumerable superb museum shows?
We are immensely proud this month to be featuring the work of the Iraqi artist and calligrapher
Sabah Arbilli
. Sabah is based in Doha where he created the above monumental calligraphic sculpture inspired by the poetry of H. E. Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of Qatar. You can view a selection of Sabah's works on our website - don't forget to use the scale indicator function to see how the work will look on your wall.
We hope you continue to enjoy reading our newsletters and as always welcome your feedback. We shall be making some changes to the format next month, so 'watch this space'!
With all best wishes from the Team at JRFA
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ARTIST OF THE MONTH: FOCUSING ON SABAH ARBILLI
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'Arbilli's work as an artist constantly develops both technique and style. He has exhibited internationally in solo and group shows. His traditional calligraphy has won many prizes and he has been invited as an expert advisor and consultant in the world of calligraphy...'
Read full Biography
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A closeup on Repulsive purpose, 2015, Acrylic on canvas, 138 x 131 cm
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"Your work often features calligraphy. Did you receive any formal education as a calligrapher? Where?
Being raised in Iraq, I learned how to write in Arabic as a child. From an early age, I was told that I had beautiful handwriting. This boost from my teachers encouraged me and I studied assiduously and practised writing on a daily basis. The books I studied contained samples of some of the best calligraphers from the past..."
Read full interview
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Extracts from Testimonials
"I would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Sabah Arbilli, the artist who conceptualized and created this beautiful tribute. Without his talents, support and dedication to preserving Qatar's artistic traditions, this project wouldn't have been possible. We look forward to the rich discussion that Sabah's sculpture will surely inspire in the years to come, with this unique fusion of calligraphy, history, poetry and sculpture."
Mr. Kelly - Occidental Petroleum Qatar
"The artwork [Peace Departure] arrived in five large cardboard boxes. As I began to unpack the first box, I smelled burnt charcoal and exclaimed, 'What's this?! I knew right away that it would be a powerful and provocative installation." Christine O'Donnell
- Bait Muzna Gallery Director
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Columbia University in the City of New York
22 April - 13 June 2015.
More here
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Cultural Centre Bruges, 19 April - 21 June 2015, Halles of the Belfry.
More here
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The British Museum, Extended until 12 July 2015.
More here
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AUB Lebanon, 26 March - 25 July 2015, AUB Art Galleries.
More here
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l'Institut du monde arabe, 28 April - 26 july 2015.
More here
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Whitechapel Gallery, 21 Apr - 4 Oct 2015, Gallery 4.
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Call for Art. Deadline for entries: 1 May 2015.
More here
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Call for entries. Deadline: 1 June 2015.
More here
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Open Submission. Deadline: Midnight 30 June 2015
More here
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