Calligraphy (fine writing) has always been important in the arts of Islam. Islamic religion is based on the Qur’an, the words of the Prophet, written in the Arabic language, which itself has spiritual significance. Over time and place, different versions of the Arabic script evolved. Although the Qur’an does not specifically forbid the depiction of living creatures, it was felt that only God had the power to create life. From about the 10th century AD, Arabic script, often mixed with floral or vegetal decorations, came to replace pictures of humans or animals on the tiled walls of mosques, on ceramics and metalwork, textiles and coins.

Contemporary artists have continued the tradition of Arabic calligraphy, adapting it to modern uses, and drawing inspiration from its spiritual and historical significance. Some continue to work as traditional calligraphers. Others have invented modern versions of classic scripts and incorporated them into works of art in different media. The contemporary Algerian artist Rachid Koraïchi has made a multi-media ensemble incorporating Arabic characters, The Path of Roses, in homage to the 13th-century Sufi poet and mystic Jalal al-Din al-Rumi. The graphic artist ‘Ali Omar Ermes uses quotations from classical Arabic poetry, painting them in broad brush strokes, using strong colours to produce two-dimensional works of art on paper.