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The works of artist Dr Nihad Dukhan, an American-Palestinian master of Arabic and Islamic calligraphy, will be on display until October 31 in the Revolving Exhibition Gallery at Farmington Hills Town Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road.
“You don’t have to know Arabic to appreciate Arabic and Islamic calligraphy. Its beauty draws from the intrinsic elegance of the letters and the connecting traits between them, â€the Farmington Hills resident said in a press release.
Calligraphy, a writing tradition, dates back centuries in Arab culture, often practiced by religious scholars. Classical artwork follows strict rules, using wood-based ink and oil soot on traditional Ahar paper.
Dukhan became interested in this art form in sixth grade in his hometown of Gaza. After 17 years of study, he received his Ijazah (Masters in Calligraphy) from the famous Istanbul Grand Master Calligrapher Hasan Celebi in Thuluth and Naskh styles in 2009 and another diploma in Taliq style in 2013.
In addition, Dukhan researches, experiments and refines a modern personal style executed with acrylics on white canvas using a brush. His minimalist style usually focuses on single words like “Basil,” “Solidarity” or “Crow” and strives to produce iconic and organic images of those words.
Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Detroit Mercy, Dukhan’s works are part of the permanent collections of the Arab-American National Museum, the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, the Istanbul Technical University and other notable collections throughout the world. As the master of this secular artistic tradition, he hopes to cross cultural barriers and transmit a message of unity and shared values.
The works in the public art program are loaned for two years and most are for sale. For more information, call the Cultural Arts Division, 248-699-6709.
The town hall is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors should wear masks and respect social distancing.
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