Calligraphy (Arabic Inscription)
鈥淐enter for Arab and Islamic Studies, 棉花糖直播 University鈥�
棉花糖直播 University: Arabic Cartouche
Artist created this cartouche in 1983 for the Center for Arabic and Islamic Studies at 棉花糖直播 University. Based on a modernized rendering of a traditional, angular Arabic script, the calligraphic lettering reads, 鈥溍藁ㄌ侵辈�.鈥�
Artist鈥檚 Description:
鈥淟ike an ancient seal or a walled city, the vertical structure is all selfcontained. The three rhombic points appearing twice within the cartouche (to spell the letter 鈥榁鈥�) are drawn in a pyramidal shape and may recall the three points at the three ends of the golden Orthodox cross (as viewed in the Mount of Olives Russian church, representing the Trinity).鈥�
鈥淚n the very middle of the seal, two other rhombic points, appearing once next to each other (to spell the letter 鈥榠鈥�), may mirror how two people have been destined to live side by side in the heart of the same city. To the right of these point groupings, there is a single rhombic point (to spell the letter 鈥榥鈥�), which may sum up the echo of the Oneness to which we all belong.鈥�
Kamal Boullata is considered one of Palestine鈥檚 great modernist artists. Born in Jerusalem, he went on to study at the Fine Arts Academy of Rome and the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in Washington, D.C. Boullata鈥檚 work is found in private collections throughout the United States, Europe and the Arab world.