Riyadh – Venice, November 3rd 2025 – As part of the cultural activations in Venice, the Saudi Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy, presents the exhibition “Lines that Unite: Arabic Calligraphy in Space”. Running from 4th to 23rd November, the exhibition, curated by Nuria Garcia, explores the evolution of Arabic calligraphy from its origins, beginning with the rock inscriptions of the 5th and 6th centuries CE, through to its development as an integral part of architecture.
The Arabic word for calligraphy, khaṭṭ, means “line,” evoking the strokes that shape letters and unite them into words. These lines transmit knowledge, create pathways between cultures and traditions, and bridge the material and the spiritual. From its earliest expressions, Arabic calligraphy evolved along two complementary paths: the art of the book and as monumental inscriptions, where text became an integral part of architecture. On stone walls, facades, domes, and interiors, it transforms architecture into a living canvas, shaping the spaces where people learn and gather.
Today, calligraphy continues to inspire architects, calligraphers and artists, offering a powerful link between heritage and contemporary expression, and “Lines that Unite: Arabic Calligraphy in Space” witness to this by exhibiting a range of works: one, for example, traces the locations, while in another one Arabic letters are transformed into new geometric codes using numerical values and the Vedic Square; some works exemplify the balance of classical calligraphy and reflect the intimate relationship between form and meaning that calligraphers strive to express; there is also an exploration of the relationship between Arabic script and human forms, showing how letters can envelop and transform the body in states of imagination.
Through their work, the calligraphic line is revealed as more than writing: it is a thread woven through space, uniting the visible and invisible, and shaping a living language of signs.
In addition to the exhibition, a series of initiatives are planned to further familiarize the public with Arabic calligraphy. A live drawing performance will take place on Tuesday, November 5, creating a unique artwork that will remain on display until the end of the exhibition. On Wednesday, November 6, a public workshop will be held for visitors. Additional workshops will take place on Thursday, November 13, Friday, November 14, and Sunday, November 23, offering participants the opportunity to explore the art and aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy.
Furthermore, on Saturday 22nd November, the Abbazia will host the panel “Calligraphy Beyond Words and Stories”, during which Saudi and Italian experts, moderated by Lubna Alkhamis, will discuss the influence of Arabic calligraphy across diverse artistic expressions, highlighting its ability to keep tradition alive while inspiring contemporary creativity.
The program underscores the artistic and cultural excellence of the Kingdom through collaborations with major Venetian and Italian institutions, showcasing the commitment to strengthening the international presence of Saudi culture and disseminating its various aspects and aesthetic and creative vitality, which reflect the ongoing phase of renaissance.
