Within short period of time, COVID -19 epidemic took the world by surprise, obligating people to abide by strict social distancing measures in order to mitigate health, social and other consequences of this epidemic.

 And since artists are inseparable parts of their societies, it is not surprising to witness artists’ commitments and positive contributions to social and human causes. Hence the endeavors of many calligraphers to contribute to the humanitarian efforts to mitigate the effects of the pandemic by spreading beauty and disseminating Qur’anic verses, prophetic sayings and wisdom that inspire hope, resilience and ability to withstand the current conditions until the crisis is over, God willing. Calligraphers sought to achieve such a goal through written works inspired by the textual meaning to formulate aesthetic and iconic forms, all to be showcased digitally to allow the message of this exhibition to reach as many people as possible, without breaching the social distancing precautions. We hope this initiative brings us a step closer to each other despite the geographical boundaries as it features works by calligraphers from all over the world.

This exhibition aims also to send a solidarity message emanating from the principles of Kuwait’s culture and stemming from its Arabic and Islamic roots. A message to strengthen brotherhood and promote collaboration in the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic. It reminds us of the values that give us strength in facing difficulties of any kind.

This exhibition is a professionally designed virtual tour that includes:

• The International Virtual Exhibition for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy:“After a difficulty, God Will soon grant relief”

The International Virtual Exhibition for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy:  “Aesthetic Therapy” 

 The visitor may notice some inconsistency in the resolution of the works exhibited here and other issues that fall beyond the will of the organizers, due to the circumstances of the participating calligraphers. Some of the works were written in difficult circumstances, which makes us thankful to everyone who contributed to this exhibition by organizing, participating or sponsorship, and we thank in particular Nasser Abdul Mohsen Al-Saeed Foundation, for their cooperation and generous support for cultural projects

I would like to express deepest gratitude to my colleague Kuwaiti calligraphers who participated in the success of this virtual exhibition; in particular, Mashael Al-Trabelsi, Ayman Hassan, Jassem Maraj and Jasser Al-Shammari. I would also thank the assisting team, Shaaban Haridi and Amr Taha in addition to Khaled Khalawi the technical official.

We pray to God for the safety of all, and to help us to learning lessons from these hard times so that we may appreciate more the value of life and the importance of our social relations.

Farid Abdul Rahim Al-Ali

Director of the Kuwait Islamic Arts Center