Arabic calligraphy workshops and talks

Razwan's Arabic Calligraphy workshops workshops introduce both the theoretical and practical aspects of traditional Arabic calligraphy.  Hand-cut  bamboo pens and  hand-mixed ink ensure a memorable experience for participants.   Razwan takes an inclusive approach, and welcomes  both those new to Arabic script, and the well seasoned. His talks on arabic calligraphy and islamic art open a world of words.

Razwan regularly talks about his books and art.  He has performed at Literature Festivals as well as various community hubs and universities. His work always provokes questions.  

The meaning of Arabic, Persian and Urdu poetry can compete with, or be complemented by, the calligraphic flourishes of the reed pen as it traces out the surface for the reader.  Indeed we might even ask, is the reader a passive onlooker or an active participant?  It is the latter that interests artist Razwan in his experimentations  of Arabic Script and English Literature. Can minimalist visual art encourage the audience to interpret meaning within the context of lived experience.

    Islamic Art provides cross curricular learning across many subject areas.  Razwan's work  is centred around practical workshops that treats each pupil as a creative individual.  As an ex-Headteacher, Razwan has experience of working with staff too.  

Razwan has introduced Islamic Art in many Art, Maths and RE/RS Departments.  Links to Literature and Science have been made too.

His work around Islamophobia in schools was developed in conjunction with RE Today Advisers Kate Christopher and Julia Diamond-Convey in 2017.  This was rolled out to teachers in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, offering guidance on how to deal with difficult issues in a sensitive way. 

 When the Tour De France came to England in 2014, Razwan was commissioned to create Arabic Land Art in Bronte Country.  His installation entitled "Finite Cycle of Time", a morphing of the Arabic word "Al-Asr" on a prominent hill overlooking the setting was possibly the largest Arabic Word in Europe at the time and during Le Tour, watched by around a hundred million viewers on television. 

His Bradford Boogie Woogie is a permanent installation testifying to the flexibility of the Arabic Script. As an Artist, Razwan's experimentation with calligraphy helps mould a world of words.

In 2021, Razwan's giant neon signs illuminated the night sky of Bradford.  

WHAT SCHOOLS SAY:

"Many thanks for all your efforts to make your visit yesterday so utterly brilliant. The children all had a really wonderful experience, and most of all, had a real education."
Pippa Quarrell, Headteacher
Kitebrook School, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

"We still talk about it…what fun we had..."
Rhys, Yr 6 Pupil
Trinity Primary School, Hereford

"Thanks for the wonderful day…I hope you continue to do this in other schools across Britain and make them feel the same amount of joy as I did."
Tim, Class 4 Pupil
Castle Carrock School, Castle Carrock, Cumbria

"Thank you once again for your invaluable contribution to our Sharing Values day 2012. Yet again, we have completely altered the image and experience of nearly one hundred young people…what an achievement, which will continue to have profound implications for years to come!"
Kate Mayglothling, Head of Humanities
Wigmore High School, Wigmore

"The children had a fantastic time exploring Islamic Calligraphy with Raz. He brings it to life in a fun and interesting way, whilst being educational at the same time. We would definitely recommend the day and we look forward to welcoming him back soon."
Elaine Jupp, Assistant Headteacher, Key Stage II Leader
Parish C of E School, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

"The session I enjoyed the most was Razwan's, I found it very enjoyable and energetic and I took lots of new information with me."
Yr 11 Pupil from Bordesley Green Conference 2013
Birmingham and Herefordshire Conference
 

"The session I enjoyed the most was Razwan's, I found it very enjoyable and energetic and I took lots of new information with me."
Yr 11 Pupil from Bordesley Green Conference 2013
Birmingham and Herefordshire Conference
 

"Raz's lessons offered our students an insight into his life as a Muslim. They loved the chance to ask thought-provoking questions, and the opportunity to create their own piece of Islamic calligraphy!"
Beth Loughran, RS Teacher
Queen Katherine Grammar School, Cumbria

What others say:

"Razwan gave a fascinating talk with slides to illustrate the history and style of traditional Arabic calligraphy techniques. This was followed by a practical workshop, in which participants were able to try out these techniques using ink on paper, guided by the artist. Razwan was able to adapt his teaching to suit the children and adults attending and the participants were able to take away their work with guidance to develop it further outside the workshop. All in all, an excellent workshop that was well received by participants." 

Michelle Hodgson, Festival Manager, Sangam Festival 

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