Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

Arabic calligraphy has revolutionized modern art and the current stance of virtuosity in the Middle East. From street graffiti to billboards, this mode of art is explicit, stunning and a sign of rich preserved heritage. Shaker Kashgari, a Saudi-Moroccan artist practices calligraffiti in his hometown Jeddah.



“I was born in 1989, and have also lived in Dubai and Morocco. I studied Information Technology,” he told Saudi Gazette.



Moving away from his mainstream career, Kashgari went on to pursue his real passion for art in 2008 and has now landed a residency with Tashkeil in Jeddah.



“I have worked with t-shirts, mobile stickers and now I am focusing on posters and artworks in Arabic Calligraphy. One thing that has led me is purely my passion.”



Kashgari said he was mainly motivated by his friends and taught himself the art through research and Arabic Calligraphy books including classic artwork.



So what does art mean to him? “I see it as something I can do until I die. I want to be remembered for creating something beautiful for people and I want to fight visual pollution.”



You can contact Tashkeil to get in touch with the artist and order his exclusive artwork in Arabic Calligraphy.



Facebook: Shaker Kashgari 

Twitter: @ShakerKash  

Instagram: ShakerKashgari