“Do not forget that while you are writing, you are on a path
that is finer than a hair & sharper than a sword.”
-Yesari Mehmed Es’ad Efendi (d. 1798)
The Artist
Samiur Rahman is a creative artist and designer specializing in Arabic Calligraphy & the Traditional Arts. Deep-rooted within the Islamic tradition, Sami started off his journey whilst studying Islamic Theology. It was there he discovered the sacred art of Arabic Calligraphy and has since devoted himself to learning and practicing the art.
He graduated from the Princes School of Traditional Arts in 2017 where he was awarded the Bagri Prize for specializing in Arabic Calligraphy & Geometry applied to various mediums.
Having studied calligraphy under various masters, Sami has training in Naskh, Thuluth, Nastaleeq and Kufic scripts. His work with calligraphy ranges from different techniques, working with wood, ceramics and plaster as well as the traditional ink on paper. His work has been exhibited all over UK as well as having some of his pieces on display at the Museum of Islamic Arts in Malaysia. He has also worked with various Mosques & Centres across UK designing the interior walls.
He has collaborated with numerous organisations both on a social and digital level including Fresh, Harrods, John Lewis, La Mer, Fabriano, Selfridges, Mariott International & Dubai Tourism
Sami has also been teaching for several years, his workshops mainly focussing on Thuluth and Sqaure Kufic fonts. He has also worked on his own script by taking inspiration from variations of Kufic fonts and applying them to a geometric underlying grid.
He launched House of Calligraphy in 2011 alongside Rayhan Siddique and Ismail Hussain who also work on projects.
Sami is also now a part time tutor at the Princes School of Traditional Arts in London (where he graduated from in 2017) teaching courses on their open programme as well as working with the outreach team.
Clients
Visit Dubai – Worked with Dubai Business Events & Dubai Tourism providing bespoke Arabic Calligraphy for their partners and clients at corporate events. (2015 – 2018)
British Museum – Live Calligraphy Demonstration at the British Museum as part of their opening for the New Islamic Gallery (Oct 2018)
Marriott International – Bespoke Calligraphy for their private event (2018)
Fresh, Harrods – Bespoke Arabic Calligraphy on their products for their customers during an Eid event (2018)
Emirates Stadium – Bespoke Live Calligraphy at their event (2013)
Selfridges – Bespoke Arabic Calligraphy on their products for their customers during Eid events (2014-2016)
Maynineteen – Worked with them on numerous events for private clients (2015-2017)
Intu Trafford Centre – Bespoke Live Calligraphy for their customers during a Mothers Day event (2015)
Arthouse21 (Previously Islamic Imprints) – Various Collaborations with the gallery (2015 – 2018)
David Linley – Bespoke Live Calligraphy for their guests during an Eid day event
East London Mosque – Created a series of Arabic Calligraphy designs in digital formal
Eden Girls School – Designed their Reflections hall with a border consisting of the 99 Names of Allah in Thuluth Script
Fatimah Elizabeth Cates Academy – Introductory Workshops on Arabic Calligraphy for as part of their Art Week
Exhibitions
Oct 2018 – Muslim Lifestyle Expo with Arthouse21
July 2017 – End of year Degree Show at School of Traditional Arts
Sep 2016 – Muslim Lifestyle Expo with Arthouse21
Sep 2015 – Muslim Lifestyle Expo with Arthouse21
Awards & Grants
2017 – Winner of the Bagri Foundation prize awarded by HRH Prince Charles at the School of Traditional Arts
2015 – 2017 – Al-Bukhary Foundation Scholarship for the MA in Visual Islamic & Traditional Arts (VITA)
2016 – UnLtd for Social Entrepreneurs- Conducted various workshops as part of a community development program
2015 – British Muslim Awards Finalist for Arts & Culture