Arabic Calligraphy Black on White, 1988

Moneer Al Shaarani (منير الشعراني), born in 1952 in Syria, is a renowned calligrapher, designer, and visual artist celebrated for his innovative approach to Arabic calligraphy. Al Shaarani graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus in 1977, where he studied under the prominent Syrian artist Fateh Moudarres. His work is characterized by a contemporary reinterpretation of classical Arabic scripts, blending traditional aesthetics with modern design sensibilities. Al Shaarani’s practice spans calligraphy, graphic design, and book illustration, and he is particularly noted for his contributions to the revival and modernization of Arabic calligraphy in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Al Shaarani’s works have been exhibited in major institutions and galleries across the Arab world and internationally, including solo and group exhibitions at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and the Sharjah Art Museum. His calligraphic pieces are held in several public and private collections, reflecting his significant influence on contemporary Arab visual culture. While his works are highly sought after, there is no public record of sales at major international auction houses such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, or Bonhams as of 2024. Nevertheless, Moneer Al Shaarani remains a pivotal figure in the field of Arabic calligraphy and design, recognized for both his artistic mastery and his scholarly contributions to the art form.