Ahmed Moustafa (Egyptian, B. 1943)

Ahmed Moustafa uses Arabic calligraphy to represent an object, in this case, a ship. With his characteristic vibrant colours, his elaborate and expressive script, and his ingenious calligraphic arrangements, Moustafa skillfully depicts the movement of the waves and the vessel, producing a lively image.

The script densely spreading across the sheet of paper is a passage from a text written by one of the most famous Arab poets of the Umayyad period, Al-Akhtal (c. 640-710): 'The water runs rapidly below the ships' bellies, screeching noisily against the tar and solid planks. They swim in it with their bows cutting through the gale. Though if an elephant was driven into it, he'd stop in fear. The masters may have to take them through straits where the waves hit rapidly against the sides, rushing past them as a herd of camels may be rushed by an astute herder.'

Although Moustafa's Ship appears very lyrical with its soft pastel hues in the sky, the artist nonetheless dramatises the scene by multiplying the script throughout, creating an effect of agitation, whilst his imposing vessel with its thick black letters stands out against the background, making its way through the waves.