Celebrating the spirit of Ramadan and the values placed on the Holy Month, Van Cleef & Arpels has looked to well-known Emirati artist Maryam Al Balooshi to create a beautiful series of calligraphy artworks centre around Ramadan Kareem, Eid Mubarak and The Flowers of Values.
The French jewellery brand has a long history supporting arts and culture, as well as giving a platform to upcoming artists to showcase their talent and creativity. Through this particular three-piece collection, Maryam sheds light on balance, kindness and compassion, whilst celebrating unity and harmony of community during a poignant time for both the Middle East and the wider world.
Here, we talked to calligrapher Maryam, to find out more about her artistic Ramadan collaboration:
How did your relationship start with Van Cleef & Arpels?
It started in 2019, through HE Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Al Maktoum Cultural Office. I participated in an open conversation during L’ÉCOLE’s visit to Dubai. We covered the link between ‘Calligraphy and Jewelry design’, which inspired us to further collaborate and work on this project built on philosophy and deep thoughts: Flowers of Values.
Can you take us through the process, from inspiration, to designing to the final creation?
It all began in October, 2019. After several discussions and deliberation, it was decided that I would create a meaningful artwork focusing on calligraphy. The idea combined a touch of philosophy reflecting true and real values, which could be linked to our community. I thought of Ramadan. The link was between the community’s values in such a meaningful month alongside Van Cleef & Arpels’ values. It began with 38 different values and went down to 12 mutual values. The shape of a flower was the base of my artwork. Once we agreed on the mutual values, the designing process started. However, there were many sketches with other values that I was dabbling in, trying to figure out how I wanted the final product to look. The final piece of art went through various consultations with the Van Cleef & Arpels team. It was indeed a thoughtful piece, which I am proud of.
What has this experience meant to you?
It’s a very unique and special experience. It’s inspiring to work on values of an important month, the Holy Month of Ramadan, which has a very special meaning to my heart. The month of re-habitation, peace, love, and connection. Having these values married with Van Cleef & Arpels brings joy and happiness. It’s a collaboration with a lot of bliss and love among both parties. For an artist, respect and communication is desired and it’s always a blessing to have the opportunity to explore more inner energy in a different way.
Tell us about your unique style and about your previous work.
In the past few years, I have started to think differently about the art of calligraphy. Is what I’m doing considered to be different? I’m not the best in drawing letters or getting them in an excellent, fine-tuned shape. However, I learnt through a mentorship with another artist that my artwork and design has to have a strong story. I need to be able to write and describe my work. Since then, I’ve realized that I needed to utilize and unify my skills and capability as an author, an international person, and someone with a vision to create a footprint in my work. This would enable me to express what I’m presenting in this work, what the messages and my own values are. Today, I have a number of artworks which capture my thoughts and feelings, and they do have a real story behind the design, including this current piece. One of my best works was presented in Sharjah International Calligraphy exhibition called Living Together – 7 Continents.
What else is in the pipeline for you as an artist?
I’m planning for my own first solo exhibition in which I will present new messages and stories. Hoping I can change the perspective of normal and typical calligraphy exhibition. I’m working on a few new sketches trying to show the influence of the letters, the influence of art, and the embedded feelings beneath calligraphy.