Chicago, IL

The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, the Middle East Music Ensemble, the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, and the Old Town School are proud to present Sculpting in Two Dimensions: Arabic Calligraphy by Nihad Dukhan on view in the South Cases, 915 E 60th, from May 1 – May 31, 2023.

Nihad Dukhan was born in central Gaza, Palestine, and arrived in Toledo, Ohio in August 1983. He received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo in 1996. He worked in Chicago and at the University of Puerto Rico. He is currently a professor of mechanical engineering at University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan.

His interest in Arabic calligraphy began when he was in the sixth grade. To polish his training in the classical styles of Arabic/Islamic calligraphy, he started studying with the noted Istanbul grand master calligrapher Hasan Çelebi (pronounced Chalabi) in Thuluth and Naskh styles in 1998, and received his Ijazah (master of calligraphy degree) after 11 years of study. He also studied with master calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya in Taliq style, and received his other Ijazah in 2013, after seven years of study.

His modern designs do not conform to the strict rules of classical Arabic calligraphy. They are highly stylized, but remain legible with tremendous simplicity. Dukhan has started pursuing and refining his personal modern form around 1989. His work has been exhibited in major US cities, and sold in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Japan. His commissioned designs include company logos, book covers, CD jackets, wedding invitations, and others.

Professor Dukhan is active in promoting Arabic and Islamic calligraphy and increasing people’s awareness of its cultural significance through exhibits, lectures and workshops. His intent is not only to attract the Arabic speaking audience, but to penetrate barriers and touch other languages and cultures.RELATED PROGRAMMING:

Middle East Music Ensemble’s Arab ConcertSaturday, May 20th7:00 PMLogan Center for the Arts Performance Hall

Emblem of a Civilization: Prologue to the Art of Arabic/Islamic Calligraphy, Lecture by Nihad DukhanSunday, May 21st2:00 PMInstitute for the Study of Ancient Cultures