For more than forty years, Iraqi calligrapher Wissam Shawkat has dedicated his life to the timeless art of Arabic calligraphy. Through precision, passion, and discipline, he has transformed traditional script into a contemporary visual language that speaks to global audiences. Today, his work stands as a bridge between heritage and innovation.
His flowing calligraphy has appeared on remarkable platforms. From presenting his art to Tim Cook on an iPad to illuminating the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Shawkat’s letters have traveled far beyond paper. Yet, at its heart, his work remains deeply personal and rooted in classical foundations.
“Al Wissam Script” – A Modern Signature
Shawkat’s latest exhibition, “Al Wissam Script,” was presented at Tashkeel Studio and Gallery. The exhibition featured 51 paintings that highlight his unique style, bold, dynamic, and experimental, yet respectful of traditional calligraphy rules.
Interestingly, Shawkat did not plan to create a new script. The style developed naturally over time. Around 2004, while designing logos for banks and media companies, he began experimenting with letterforms. Gradually, this evolved into a modern, flexible, and kinetic script that his followers later named “Al Wissam Script.”
His compositions often feature thick, powerful strokes. Some words are written vertically, inverted, or repeated in maze-like patterns. Others merge into abstract forms, blending calligraphy with design. His texts include poetry by great Arab poets like Nizar Qabbani and Mahmoud Darwish, as well as simple yet powerful words such as “love.” For Shawkat, love is a universal message. He believes that beyond politics and conflict, love remains the strongest human connection.
Tradition and Criticism
While many admire his work, some traditional calligraphers have criticized him for naming a script after himself. Shawkat explains that he did not choose the name , his audience did. His style is not created from nothing; it is deeply influenced by classical scripts such as Thuluth and Diwani. His strong academic foundation allows him to experiment while respecting tradition. He hopes that perhaps, one day, his script may be considered “classical” in the future.
Patience in a Digital Age
In today’s fast-moving digital world, some believe calligraphy is declining. Shawkat disagrees. He believes Arabic calligraphy is living in a golden age. Exhibitions, collectors, biennales, and especially social media have given the art form new visibility. In fact, Arabic calligraphy has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
However, Shawkat emphasizes one essential quality: patience. He believes many young artists struggle with this virtue. For him, calligraphy is like training for an athlete, daily practice, constant sketches, and years of refinement are necessary before reaching mastery.
A Childhood Shaped by Ink
Born in Basra in 1974, Shawkat grew up during the Iran-Iraq war. While bombs fell outside, he found comfort in practicing calligraphy in shelters. His father supported his passion and bought him red ink — the first color he ever used. Even today, red remains a powerful presence in his works, serving as a tribute to his father.
His journey began in a classroom when a teacher demonstrated Arabic calligraphy on the board. Sitting in the front row, young Wissam felt an immediate connection. He describes it as a revelation — an obsession that shaped his entire life.
Beyond Letters
At his exhibition, visitors could also see his sketch studies and writing tools, including bamboo pens collected from Egypt and Iran. These elements reveal the discipline behind each artwork. Calligraphy is not just about writing beautiful words; it is about years of study, research, and dedication.
Through “Al Wissam Script,” Wissam Shawkat shows us that Arabic calligraphy is not only alive, it is evolving. By honoring tradition while embracing innovation, he proves that heritage can move forward without losing its soul.
For Art4you Magazine, his journey is a reminder that true artistry is built on patience, passion, and purpose.