Moalla Calligraphic Style

Moalla calligraphy is based on the calligrapher’s own subjective and imaginative interpretation of various calligraphic styles which influence the new style indirectly as visual models.

Nevertheless, a calligraphic style is considered as such when it follows the traditional calligraphy and previous known principles governing the form, and letter and word format. Moalla style is also based on the same principles of calligraphy and respects the rules governing the traditional calligraphy. This explains why the new style (Moalla) shares clear similarities with other calligraphic styles. The graphic aspect of Moalla style does not divert it from the traditional course of calligraphy, rather it makes it possible for the other arts to use the new style in better ways.


Characteristics of Moalla style:

• Using the entire potential of the calligraphic pen in writing (using all sides), which leads to increased clarity and conveys solidity.


• sudden and abrupt transfer of strength to weakness which creates extreme contrast in thickness.


• The possibility of creating complicated compositions in asymmetrical forms.
  Conveying more passion and rapture, as compared to other traditional styles, plus an epic spirit and excitement.


• The possibility of changing the proportions and sizes of the letters and ascending lines to fit for various compositions.


• Independence in terms of teaching and learning (there is no need to know other styles in order to learn Moalla)


• Possibility of use in Modern architectural spaces.


• Creating curves and changing the base of words in any given composition and/or line without effecting the proportion and base of the entire composition. (In other words, there is the possibility of writing in the reverse direction and/or changing the angles of letters within one or more words.)


• Other points relating to details are better understood in close verbal discussions.

It is of course useless to compare Moalla style with other known calligraphic styles. Each calligraphic style needs to be studied in reference to its aims and goals. As a new movement strongly based on tradition, Moalla style does not claim superiority over other styles. It simply follows the same rules and can make contributions according to its own limitations and potentials.

Provenance

Collection of Hamid Ajami

Photography/ Text © Hamid Ajami

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