School of Creative
Industries
BA(Hons) Arts Management
Situating traditional Islamic calligraphers in the Singapore art ecosystem
In the world of Islamic art, calligraphy, or the writing of Arabic script, has always been deemed as the highest and most noble art form since the days of Islamic civilisation. There are varying styles of calligraphy as an art form in this day and age. Some artists practise traditional calligraphy, styles that have existed since the golden age of Islamic civilisation, while some others pursue contemporary interpretations of these calligraphic techniques.
In recent years, the traditional style of Islamic calligraphy has even been identified as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Despite these levels of acknowledgement of calligraphy as an esteemed and collectible art form, traditional Islamic calligraphy does not seem to enjoy the same prominence as contemporary art in the Singaporean arts landscape. This study therefore aims to understand what the ecosystem and market is like for these calligraphers in the Singaporean arts landscape by mapping patterns.
Islamic art, Islamic calligraphy, religious art, art ecosystem, traditional
heritage, Islamic art, Islamic calligraphy, religious art, art ecosystem, traditional art
Nursyafiqah Binte Mohd Sedik
Syafiqah aspires to advocate for art-making that occupies spaces of oddity – in which artists utilise irregular materials to evoke feelings of intrigue. She believes that the practice of incorporating odd materials into unexpected structures is what makes art exciting and ever-evolving.
Syafiqah has been involved in a variety of work experiences including project and events management, marketing and social media. Some notable experiences include her involvement in the 2020 Culture Cartel Convention which celebrates street culture as well as her work at This Humid House, a botanical design studio.