Calligrapher Abdul Kareem with his artwork. Pics: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: As soon as one steps into Abdul Kareem’s studio, you will be filled with awe. The vibrant colours, palettes, canvases, and brushes create a mesmerising sight.
Abdul Kareem is popularly known as "Kareemgraphy". Hailing from a small village filled with kind-hearted people, Kareem’s journey into the world of calligraphy began with a chance encounter. It happened when a street vendor sold an exquisite artwork to his father. Kareem was captivated by this unique artwork that depicted a man in the ‘Attahiyat’ position, with the words “La ilaha illallah Muhammad ur Rasulullah” beautifully inscribed on it, leaving a lasting impression on his young mind.
Reflecting on the life-changing incident from childhood, Kareem said: “That artwork captivated me. At that time, I did not know it was calligraphy or typography. I only saw how beautiful it was and was in awe as to how he drew a man’s silhouette using Arabic letters”. However, little did young Kareem realise that this little art piece was only the beginning of an incredible journey ahead.
Abdul Kareem, who hails from Kakkove village in the southern Indian state of Kerala, transforms lifeless streets into captivating sights through his passion for Arabic calligraffiti. After mastering the art of Arabic calligraphy, Kareem is now exploring the realms of light calligraphy, an emerging and vibrant art form.
Meeting light calligraphy artists Julien Breton aka Kaalam and Kareem Jabber inspired Kareem to explore and experiment with this captivating art form.
Viewers have a misconception about light calligraphy, as Kareem pointed out saying, “People think that light calligraphy is a digital creation, but it doesn’t have any digital aspect to it. I just take this light calligraphy tool and draw in the air and the photographer would just capture the fleeting moment. The moment. That’s it.”
Kareem’s art progressed from sketching actors and football players in school to performing on grand stages and exploring light calligraphy. One person he reminisces as his support system was Mohammed Noushad who motivated him to learn Islamic art by recognising his talent and potential. He took Kareem to internet cafes and introduced him to Islamic art and artists from all over the world. After finishing art school, Kareem felt blessed when he got his visa to Madinah in Saudi Arabia. This was the first step in his journey as an artist.
Street art played a huge part in Kareem’s success and he believes it helps gain artists more exposure. “People willingly want to stop by and enjoy the art or they approach the artist out of their own interests,” says Kareem. He further elaborated on this notion by sharing his personal experience during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. For 17 days, Kareem took to the streets, spreading his passion for art in prominent locations such as the Corniche, stadiums, and fan zones.
“You don’t know anything about the people approaching you. You don’t know where they are from, what their religion is or even the language they speak.” He went on to describe the joy of observing men, women, children, dancers and performers of different races and ethnicities passing by and enjoying his art.
And how his art spreads and travels to these people’s countries through the pictures they capture. “One day their children may ask who drew these pictures. And they might remember me as Kareem, one of the artists of FIFA. And that brings me so much happiness.”
Kareem tries to bring the beauty of Arabic letters alive through his art in such a way that a non-Muslim or a non-Arab can enjoy it just by observing his art regardless of not knowing the language. Kareem also adds that Islamic art and Arabic calligraphy is not just for the walls of a mosque or just for pieces of paper, they should find their place on the streets and has to interact with people of different backgrounds.
As the world grapples with numerous tragedies during these dark times, Kareem is also focused on spreading a deeper meaning through his works. “Art is not just for beauty. Art is a way of protesting and raising questions to our society,” says Kareem.
As a calligraphy artist, Kareem reacts through his work, and he believes that an artist becomes complete only if he or she shares his reaction against injustice and intolerance through art.
Kareem recently created an artwork on the hijab issue, which got a lot of media attention. It all started when a particular post on social media about the hijab issue caught Kareem’s attention, which really disturbed him. He transformed that frustration and stress into art, which went viral internationally. Kareem believes that people are now weary of watching the news and instead want to see it in some meaningful art form that holds a deeper message. “That is the power of art. Art can go and speak into the world.”
Kareem wishes that his artwork would heal people and make them feel at ease and at peace. Plenty of Kareem’s recent works have played around the word “salaam”, meaning peace. He says, “The way the word is pronounced in itself gives me so much peace. The word “salaam” is so rhythmic that it brings me peace just by hearing it. And while writing the word “salaam” it makes me feel like I am going through the process of receiving peace.” According to Kareem, the backbone of his success is his parents Adul Rehman and Sainaba and his people from Kakkove village.
When asked about a message or advice he would like to pass on to other young and upcoming artists, Kareem said, “Though I don’t advice, my only message to artists of this day and age is to focus on only your happiness.” Kareem states that artists now are so caught up in gaining fame that they lose their uniqueness in the process of pleasing the public.
“I think satisfaction with your own work should come first and then success and fame follow,” Kareem signed off.
Instagram: @kareemgraphy
