The Qur'an of Dr. Moustafa

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Ahmed Moustafa is an artist and a scientist. In 1989 he received his PhD from St Martin's College of Art and Design in London.

His historical work focused on the seeking of perfection in calligraphy by the Abbasid minister Ibn Muqla. Moustafa decoded the geometric rigor that the Abbasid put into the design of letters. The name of Ibn Muqla had been forgotten, but his work is the origin of what is best in Islamic calligraphy for over a thousand years.

Moustafa believes that the letters are designed to be tied. He copies verses from the Qur'an onto large size areas, where huge letters intertwine together to form a mystical and abstract pattern with the same ideal proportions as his Abbasid predecessor brought to the design of individual letters.

In his recent works, the line is clearer and broader. In 2009 he created a diptych, 150 x 190 m for each element, respectively entitled Rembrance and Gratitude, two variations on a verse chosen for its universal and almost ecumenical significance. Rembrance rather than Remembrance: the exegetes of Dr. Moustafa have now to discuss the meaning of this word.

This work is for sale by Christie's in Dubai on October 27. It is estimated 600 KUS$. Here is the photo of one of the elements shared by AuctionPublicity. The other element, visible in the catalog of the auction house, is very similar to any observer who has not the extreme subtlety of the artist.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Christie's had presented this work as the culmination of the artist's approach. The too recent works are always very difficult to sell. We therefore consider the result, 662 KUS$ including premium, as excellent.