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Word of Majesty

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Currently not on display
Title:
Word of Majesty
Artist:
Mariam Abdel Aleem
Date:
1971
Material:
Paper, Printing Ink
Technique:
Printmaking
Dimensions:
69.4 × 52.2 cm

Mariam Abdel Aleem approached the Arabic letter as both a visual language and a vehicle for cultural memory, integrating calligraphy into compositions that bridge tradition and modern abstraction. Rather than emphasizing legibility, she transformed letters into rhythmic forms that interact with color, geometry and texture, creating dynamic surfaces that evoke movement and balance. Drawing on the heritage of Islamic art while embracing modernist experimentation, Abdel Aleem explored the expressive potential of script beyond its linguistic function. In her work, Arabic letters become markers of identity and continuity, linking contemporary artistic practice to enduring cultural traditions. Through layered compositions and vibrant palettes, she invites viewers to experience calligraphy as an aesthetic and emotional presence, where the written word transcends meaning to become a meditation on form, memory and the enduring vitality of Arab visual culture.

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