I have always influenced by the eloquence of expression and the power of words in the Arabic language, whether read or heard in Quranic verses and poetic verses. In the context of pre-Islamic poetry, while exploring meanings and words, I found myself encountering what is known as poetic traditions, in which the poets of the suspended odes excel. These traditions are renowned for their moral and formal phenomena, with the Taltal-style openings playing a prominent role in the long poems of the pre-Islamic poets.

Poets adhered to specific traditions, often starting their poems in a distinctive manner, withstanding at the ruins frequently serving as a unique opening. The poet expresses details and narratives after the initial pause, then immerses into depicting the beauty of the beloved who captured their heart. This readiness is understood as preparation for the audience to listen to what the poet intends to present later.

Afterward, the poet transitions to various themes, including description, pride, praise, or satire. The poems stand out for their diversity of topics, highlighting the poet's skill in connecting these themes and the quality of transitioning between them.

 

The artistic collection revolves around celebrating the poetic traditions of the Mu'allaqat, focusing on poetic openings, closures, and the varied rhetorical purposes and images in each poem.

The Arabic script is a constant source of inspiration for me. I usually concentrate on employing Arabic words and letters, utilizing a contemporary artistic calligraphic style with various materials and media.

 

In this artistic collection, neutral colors are used alongside the primary color (gold), associated with the Mu'allaqat and the suspended odes. This highlights the interaction between existence and absence, light and darkness. The contemplations of the artistic image integrate with the words and verses, embodying a complex and fluid visualization simultaneously.

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This collection was partly exhibited in a group exhibition (Nahnu): We the Nations of Letters, where diverse artists untie through the Arabic alphabet, celebrating individuality within unity.

Curated by Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès