“Art brings people back to their sensibility as human beings. This is the purpose of art: To bring people together and bring back the humanity as well.”
These are the words of eL Seed, a French-Tunision graffiti artist who uses Arabic calligraphy in his work to spread messages of peace and hope throughout the world.
I first learned of Seed’s work last Wednesday. EMU invited JMU professor Israa Alhassani to hold an interactive workshop and presentation titled “From Calligraphy to Calligraffiti: A Journey of Faith, Language, and Expression.” I enjoyed learning some of the history and significance of Arabic calligraphy in Islamic architecture. The work has spiritual influence, with mosque walls decorated with poems and Quranic verses using various calligraphy styles.
I also enjoyed seeing how calligraphy is used to express emotions and share messages. Alhassani showed many different pieces of art and architecture to show how calligraphy has been used to accomplish this. Of all the calligraphy shown, only eL Seed was mentioned by name.
His work was by far my favorite of the entire presentation. His bold colors and impressively crisp lines are stunning. The messages he spreads are also much needed in today’s world. Though I’ve only known of his work for a short period of time, his calligraffiti has become some of my favorite artwork.
What I find most intriguing about Seed’s work is that, even if you don’t know any Arabic, like myself, his work is still able to evoke emotion. One of my favorites of his works is located in Manshiyat Nasir, a neighborhood in Cairo. The project is called Perception, which is described on Seed’s website as him “questioning the level of judgment and misconception society can unconsciously have upon a community based on their differences.” The work is massive, covering almost 50 buildings. The entirety of the work is only visible from a specific point of the Mokattam Mountain, reading, “Anyone who wants to see the sunlight clearly needs to wipe his eye first.”
When I think about how long the piece must have taken to do and the amount of planning that it must have taken to create it, it’s difficult for me to fathom. The vibrant white, blue, yellow, and orange colors of the piece, especially in contrast to the muted brown and oranges of the city behind it, makes me feel hopeful. Seeing Perception from that one perfect angle is breathtaking. You’re able to feel what Seed was trying to get across even if you’re unable to read the text present on the piece. His art is powerful and universal.
Going to this workshop last Wednesday was a last-minute decision for me. However, I’m glad I went. EMU has some great convocation events that are worth attending. Had I not gone, I wouldn’t have learned of Seed’s artwork.