Muhammad Ashraf Heera
Role of Pakistani Calligraphy at international level
Abstract:
The traditional and contemporary calligraphy though is done with colors like artist make paintings. The Islamic calligraphy has special place and superior in the fields of art as it is related to divine Book Quran. So to understand calligraphy of Quran it should be worth seeing with inner eye, or eye of soul. Rather it makes connectivity of artist mind and soul to the special gaudiness that artist directly receive from Supreme Lord. Calligrapher artist specially receive those blesses and sketch them on canvass that he feels with his spiritual eye. All a calligrapher artist portrays is divine message from Supreme Lord.
In Pakistan the profession of calligraphy has special place and respect. Great King Aurangzeib himself for his livelihood wrote Quran. Pakistan has special place in the field of calligraphy, modernizing it and in giving new styles and introducing new aspects. In Pakistan calligraphers put their full effort and lifetime struggle for keeping the revival of this art. Khatt Nastaleeq is Pakistan originated, and afterwards many calligraphers added new modifications, that’s why Pakistani calligraphers have grip and can write all kinds of Nastaleeq including Lakhnawe, Dhalwi, Turkish, and Irani etc. And so Pakistani calligraphers get the world fame for their perfectionist and professionalism and won all the grand international awards.
The effort and passion of calligrapher is to write the verses of Quran that could explain the depth and meaning in the best and most appropriate way, by introducing and adding new elements and could be followed and continued. So, journey of my calligraphy profession was long and during this time I myself introduced many new ideas, made new experiments to add my part and to become a pioneer. So, here I will discuss from my popular compositions in khatt Kufi and modification in Illumination.
Keywords: Calligraphy, Nastaleeq, Spiritual eye, Kufi, colors.
Resume:
- Date of Birth December 25, 1991
- Nationality Pakistani
- E-mail ashrafheera@yahoo.com
Academic Record
- ۲۰۰۳ & 2011 : Course of Calligraphy from National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore, Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۵-۲۰۰۹: ۴ years Summer Calligraphy Course from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran & Turkey
- ۲۰۰۰-۲۰۰۸: Ijaza in Islamic Calligraphy by Renowned Calligrapher Ustad Ghulam Rasool (Pakistan)
- ۲۰۰۹: Ijaza (Highest Calligraphy Diploma) in Arabic Calligraphy by World’s Famous Ustad Al-Mounji Ammar (Tunis)
- ۲۰۱۱ : Calligraphy Workshop Course by PNCA held in Shakir Ali Museum, Lahore
- ۲۰۱۳:۴-year Diploma in calligraphy from Gohar Qalam Calligraphy Institute, Lahore, Pakistan.
Professional experiences
- ۲۰۱۳-۲۰۱۹ : Visiting Lecturer of Calligraphy & Naqashi to University of Sargodha, Sargodha
- ۲۰۱۵-present: Founder & Organizer of Ashraf-ul-Qalam National calligraphy competitions
- ۲۰۱۷: External Examiner and Teacher of Calligraphy Course to Lahore College for Women University, Lahore
- ۲۰۱۲-۲۰۱۷: Trainer of Calligraphy & Naqqashi to Gujranwala Institute of Fine Arts Gujranwala
- ۲۰۱۶: Teacher of Calligraphy to National College of Business Administration & Economics Lahore
- ۲۰۱۶: Teacher of Darussalam Calligraphy Course, Lahore
- ۲۰۰۹: Teacher of illumination & Calligraphy to CCRS (National College of arts) Lahore
Prizes (national/international competitions)
- ۲۰۱۰: ۱st Prize throughout the world in 8th International Calligraphy Competition By OIC (IRCICA) Istanbul-Turkey (Calligraphy Championship)
- ۲۰۰۴: ۱st Prize (Incentive prize) throughout the world in 6th International Calligraphy Competition By OIC (IRCICA) Istanbul-Turkey (world highest international competition)
- ۲۰۰۵: ۱st Prize in the International Islamic Calligraphy Competition (Best Composition), Cairo-Egypt
- ۲۰۰۵: ۱st Prize in International Arabic Calligraphy Competition, Dubai-UAE
- ۲۰۰۶: ۱st Prize in International Calligraphy Competition, Tehran- Iran
- ۲۰۰۶: ۱st Prize in International Arabic Calligraphy Competition, Makkah-Saudi Arab
- ۲۰۰۷: ۱st Prize throughout the world in 7th International Calligraphy Competition by OIC (IRCICA) Turkey
- ۲۰۰۷: ۱st Prize in International Calligraphy Competition (Arabic Calligraphy Category), Beijin-China
- ۲۰۰۸: ۱st Prize in International Calligraphy Competition (Arabic Calligraphy Category), Beijing-China
- ۲۰۰۹: ۱st Prize in Khodair Albor Saeedi International Calligraphy Competition, Cairo-Egypt
- ۲۰۰۹: ۱st Prize in 3rd International Calligraphy Competition (Best composition), Tehran-Iran
- ۲۰۱۰: ۱st Prize in International Calligraphy Competition (Arabic Calligraphy Category), Beijin-China
- ۲۰۱۱: ۱st Prize in Calligraphy in the International Youth Arts Festival, Ankara-Turkey
- ۲۰۱۲: ۱st Prize in Arabic Calligraphy International Competition trablus-Libya
- ۲۰۱۱: Won 11th Prize out of top 50 winners in International Hilya Sherif Calligraphy Competition, Istanbul-Turkey (Highest international competition in History of Hilya Sharif Calligraphy)
- ۲۰۱۲: ۱st Prize in 2nd International Safeer Festival of Arabic calligraphy Art, Najaf-Iraq
- ۲۰۱۳: ۱st Prize in Calligraphy in the International youth Calligraphy championship, and got the Title international youth champion calligrapher, Istanbul-Turkey
- ۲۰۱۳: ۱st Prize (Mention Prize) throughout the world in 9th International Calligraphy Competition by OIC.(IRCICA) Istanbul-Turkey, (worlds’ highest international competition)
- ۲۰۱۴: ۱st Prize in Calligraphy in the International Youth Arts Festival, Istanbul-Turkey
- ۲۰۱۵: ۱st Prize in Buyukcekmece International Youth Arts Festival, Istanbul-Turkey
- ۲۰۱۵:۱st Prize in 5th international Safeer Festival of Arabic calligraphy Art, Najaf-Iraq
- ۲۰۱۶:۱st Prize in National Street art competition by Artistan Master Paints, Lahore-Pakistan
- ۲۰۱۸:۱st Prize in 8th international Safeer Festival of Arabic calligraphy Art, Najaf-Iraq
- ۲۰۱۸:۱st Prize in 2nd Khodair Albor Saeedi International Calligraphy Competition, Cairo-Egypt
- ۲۰۱۰: ۲nd Prize in Nastaliq in International Festival of Calligraphy & Illumination, Jordan
- ۲۰۱۵: ۲nd Prize 1st Cairo international Arabic Calligraphy Biennial, Cairo-Egypt
- ۲۰۲۰: ۲nd Prize 1st international Online calligraphy competition in Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۴: ۳rd Prize in PCG Guild 4th International Calligraphy Competition, Lahore- Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۹: ۴th, Prize (جائزہ تقدیریہ) in International Calligraphy Festival (Competition) Algiers- Algeria
- ۲۰۱۲: ۴th Prize in holy Makkah International Calligraphy Competition, Makkah-Saudi Arabia
- ۲۰۱۸: ۴th, Prize (جائزہ تقدیریہ) in International Calligraphy, Illumination and Miniature Festival Algiers- Algeria
- ۱۹۹۹ to 2020: 50th Times 1st Prizes in Provincial & National Calligraphy Competitions between student & Freelance Calligraphers Organized by Government and private departments and Organizations.
- ۲۰۰۰: ۲nd Prize in Calligraphy Competition by MCYA (Gov. of Punjab) & PCG Lahore
- ۲۰۰۰: ۲nd Prize in Calligraphy Competition by Art & Décor Society Lahore
- ۲۰۰۸: ۳rd Prize in PNCA Pakistan grand national calligraphy competition, Lahore
- ۲۰۰۰: ۳rd Prize in Calligraphy Competition by Punjab Text Book Board Lahore
- ۲۰۱۰: ۳rd Prize in Calligraphy Competition by Irani cultural Center Rawalpindi Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۴: ۴th Prize in National calligraphy exhibition by Jhang arts council, Jhang
Awards & Achievements
- ۲۰۱۰: Got the Title of international Champion Calligrapher through 1st Position at new setup International calligraphy competition (Kufi style) besides, made international Record as the only calligrapher Winning most of the international calligraphy competition (Kufi style) throughout the world
- ۲۰۰۴: Won Prize (Incentive Prize) and became First Calligrapher in history of Pakistan and Youngest in the world who won prize for Pakistan in Khat Kufi at any International calligraphy competition by winning international competition 2004 held in Turkey
- ۲۰۱۷: Walqalam Award Presented by President of Pakistan Mr. Mamnoon Hussain for outstanding achievement in calligraphy & Highlighting the name of Pakistan throughout the world
- ۲۰۱۸: Cash Prize (Achiever Award) presented by President of Pakistan Mr. Mamnoon Hussain for excellent performance in calligraphy
- ۲۰۰۰: President Gold Medal, presented by President of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad RafiqTarar
- ۲۰۰۹: Pakistan won 1st Prize at International miniature festival 2009 in Algeria, under my Leadership, that was the First ever award, Pakistan got 1st at International miniature competition
- ۲۰۰۶: The King of Saudi Arabia Mr. Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Alsaud presented the shield award for excellent performance. Won first prize in Arabic calligraphy
- ۲۰۱۱: Governor Madina Munewwerah (KSA) Mr.Abdul Aziz bin Majed Alsaud presented the certificate and gold shield for high achievements in Arabic calligraphy
- ۲۰۱۰: Bestowed the title of “Star of Pakistan” (نجم الباکستان) by the world fame master calligrapher Mr. Adnan Al-Sheikh Osman from Syria on excellent performance
- ۲۰۰۵: National President Talent Award presented by Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr.Shoukat Aziz
- ۲۰۰۵: National Creativity Award presented by Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr.Shoukat Aziz
- ۲۰۰۷: Government of Pakistan awarded the National Youth Award for outstanding achievements in Calligraphy on the international youth day. (Pakistan highest civil award for youth)
- ۲۰۰۹: Pakistan’s First and World’s Youngest Calligrapher who created the style of new branch & complete syllabus of Khat-e-Kufi, With the name Kufi Qalam-ul-Ashraf Heera
- ۲۰۰۴: Government of the Punjab awarded Certificate of National Record on getting highest First Positions in the calligraphy competitions held on Provincial and National levels between student & youngest calligraphers from Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۸: The Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed yousaf Raza Gelani invited at Prime Minister House and Appreciated for winning continuously 8 international calligraphy competitions
- ۲۰۰۹: Government of Iran awarded me the Certificate of Honor Award for best performance in Quran calligraphy exhibition. Tehran-Iran
- ۲۰۱۰: Qaid-e-Azam Award by Daily “Nawa-i-Waqt “Lahore for biggest achievements in calligraphy and Highlighting the name of Pakistan throughout the World , presented by Mr. Majeed Nizami Chief Editor Daily Nawa-i-Waqt Lahore Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۲: Encouragement prize from the Governor of Punjab Mr. Khalid Maqbool
- ۱۹۹۹ to 2019: Achieved many National and International Awards, Shields, Gold Medals and Honor Certificates
Jury Member
- ۲۰۱۴-۲۰۱۹: Many times (50+) Jury members of National calligraphy and visual arts competitions
- ۲۰۱۷: International seminar and competition in Calligraphy category, Tehran Iran
Solo Exhibitions
- ۲۰۰۶: 1st solo show held at Makkah museum, Makkah Saudi Arabia
- ۲۰۰۷: 2nd solo show held at Forestry University hall, Beijing China
- ۲۰۰۹: 3rd solo show Cairo Arabic calligraphy art gallery, Cairo Egypt
- ۲۰۱۱: 4th solo show held at Jannet culture markez Kucukcekmece, Istanbul Turkey
- ۲۰۱۲: ۵th solo show held at tamam tamaddun islam hall, Terengganu Malaysia
- ۲۰۱۴: 6th solo show held at Jinnah public hall, Hafizabad Pakistan
Exhibitions
- ۲۰۰۰ to 2007: PCG Guild 2nd ,۳rd & 4th International Calligraphy Exhibitions, Lahore – Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۲: PAC International National Calligraphy Exhibition, Lahore- Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۵: ۲nd International Exhibition of Calligraphy, London – England
- ۲۰۰۶: ۳rd International Calligraphy Exhibition, Malaysia
- ۲۰۰۰, ۲۰۰۱ & 2004: 3 time Participate in UNESCO International Exhibition of art, Tokyo – Japan
- ۲۰۰۶: Italy and Pakistan International Calligraphy Exhibition, Lahore – Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۵ & 2006: International Calligraphy Exhibition, Makkah – Saudi Arab
- ۲۰۰۷: OIC (IRCICA) international calligraphy exhibition, Islamabad – Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۷: International Calligraphy Exhibition, Beijing – China
- ۲۰۰۷: International Calligraphy Exhibition by city district government Karachi – Pakistan
- ۲۰۰۸: international the Art of Arabic Calligraphy Festival on Kufi style, Kuwait
- ۲۰۰۸: International Arabic Calligraphy Art Exhibition, Dubai – UAE
- ۲۰۰۸: ۳rd International Biennial of the Art of Arabic calligraphy, Sharjah – UAE
- ۲۰۰۹: International Calligraphy Festival Algiers – Algeria
- ۲۰۰۹: International Quran Calligraphy Exhibition. Tehran – Iran
- ۲۰۰۹: International illumination & Miniature Art Festival Algiers – Algeria
- ۲۰۱۰: ۴th International Biennial of the Art of Arabic calligraphy, Sharjah – UAE
- ۲۰۱۰: International Exhibition of IRCICA 2010 winner calligraphy work, Abu Dhabi – UAE
- ۲۰۱۰: ۶th international Besmella Festival of Calligraphy, Tehran – Iran
- ۲۰۱۰: ۴th Beijing international Art biennale, Beijing – China
- ۲۰۱۰: International Festival of Arabic Calligraphy & Illumination, Jordan
- ۲۰۱۰: was held calligraphy & Illumination Exhibition and Workshop in international Youth Festival & Conference, Islamabad-Pakistan
- ۲۰۱۱: International Calligraphy Exhibition. Bangalore – India
- ۲۰۱۱: King Fahed Quran complex International renowned Quran calligraphers, Madinah-Saudi Arabia
- ۲۰۱۱: International Youth Arts Festival , Ankara – Turkey
- ۲۰۱۱: Calligraphy Exhibitions of Pakistani calligraphers by Pakistan Consulate Jeddah-Saudi Arabia
- ۲۰۱۲: Calligraphy Exhibitions of Pakistani calligraphers by Pakistan Embassy Alriyadh-Saudi Arabia
- ۲۰۱۲: international Helya Sherif Calligraphy Exhibition. Istanbul-Turkey
- ۲۰۱۲: ۵th International Biennial of the Art of Arabic calligraphy, Sharjah – UAE
- ۲۰۱۲: Terengganu International Islamic Art Festival, Terengganu – Malaysia
- ۲۰۱۲: All Pakistan Art Exhibition by Taang Wasaib organization Sarghoda-Pakistan
- ۲۰۱۲: Sarire Khama international Calligraphy Exhibition by Punjab University, Lahore – Pakistan
- ۲۰۱۳: ۳rd Calligraphy Exhibition by Gazali Education Trust & NCA, Lahore – Pakistan
- ۲۰۱۳: MESK 4th international calligraphy, miniature and illumination festival Istanbul – Turkey
- ۲۰۱۳: ۶th Multaqa Kuwait international Islamic arts festival, Kuwait
- ۲۰۱۳: ۱st international Art Exhibition on Tareeq-ul-Hussain (R.A). Najaf Alashraf- Iraq
- ۲۰۱۴: ۶th International Biennial of the Art of Arabic calligraphy, Sharjah – UAE
- ۲۰۱۴ : MESK 5th international calligraphy, miniature and illumination festival Istanbul –Turkey
- ۲۰۱۴: ۱۵th international Art and Culture Festival, Istanbul-Turkey
- ۲۰۱۵: ۱st Cairo international Arabic Calligraphy Biennial, Cairo-Egypt
- ۲۰۱۵: ۵th international Islamic Arts festival and workshop, Morocco
- ۲۰۱۵: MESK 6th international calligraphy, miniature and illumination festival Istanbul –Turkey
- ۲۰۱۵: ۳rd international Art Exhibition on Tareeq-ul-Hussain (R.A). Najaf Alashraf- Iraq
- ۲۰۱۶: ۷th International Biennial of the Art of Arabic calligraphy, Sharjah – UAE
- ۲۰۱۶: MESK 7th international calligraphy, miniature and illumination festival Istanbul – Turkey
- ۲۰۱۶: ۴th international Art Exhibition on Tareeq-ul-Hussain (R.A). Najaf Alashraf- Iraq
- ۲۰۱۷: Calligraphy Exhibitions of Pakistani calligraphers by Pakistan Consulate Toronto-Canada
- ۲۰۱۷: ECO international Calligraphy & Visual arts festival, Tehran – Iran
- ۲۰۱۷: 5th international Art Exhibition on Tareeq-ul-Hussain (R.A). Najaf Alashraf- Iraq
- ۲۰۱۷: ۱st “Alqalam” international Calligraphy exhibition by Pak Govt & IRCICA, Islamabad – Pakistan
- ۲۰۱۷: ECO international Calligraphy & Visual arts festival, Tehran – Iran
- ۲۰۱۷: Cultural center international Calligraphy & Illumination festival, Baghdad – Iraq
- ۲۰۱۸: International Cultural festival of Calligraphy illumination & Miniature, Algiers–Algeria
- ۲۰۱۹: ۴th Cairo international Arabic Calligraphy Biennial, Cairo-Egypt
- ۲۰۱۹: ۱st National Pak China friendship visual arts exhibition Sargodha-Pakistan
- ۲۰۱۹: ۹th international Safeer Festival of Arabic calligraphy Art, Najaf-Iraq
- ۲۰۱۹: ۳rd international Arabic calligraphy Festival, Qairwan-Tunis
- ۲۰۱۹: ۱st Divan Arabic calligraphy international Award exhibition, Berlin -Germany
- ۲۰۲۰: ۱st Doha youth innovation award international visual art exhibition, Doha -Qatar
- ۲۰۲۰: ۷th international Ramadan Arts of Calligraphy E-Exhibition, Beirut- Lebanon
- ۲۰۲۰: ۱st Hawages international Arabic Calligraphy E-Exhibition, Baghdad-Iraq
- ۲۰۲۰: ۳rd Aqaba international festival of Islamic arts, Al-Aqaba-Jordan
- ۲۰۲۰: ۱st Multaqa Lil-Hadharat international online Exhibition in Germany
- ۲۰۲۰: Ramdhan Karim international Arabic Calligraphy E-Exhibition, Beirut- Lebanon
- More then 200+ time participated in National exhibitions all over Pakistan in many cities on 2000 to 2019