Autumn Leaves and Calligraphic Forms, 2004

Princess Wijdan AlHashemi (الأميرة وجدان الهاشمي), born in 1939 in Amman, Jordan, is a prominent artist, art historian, and cultural advocate recognized for her significant contributions to the revival of Islamic art and the Hurufiyya movement. Working primarily in painting, her oeuvre is characterized by the integration of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic motifs, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities. Princess Wijdan’s work often explores themes of heritage, spirituality, and identity, rendered through vibrant color palettes and dynamic compositions.

Her art has been exhibited in major institutions worldwide, including the British Museum in London and the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. She has also participated in significant group exhibitions at venues such as the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, which she helped found. Princess Wijdan’s paintings have appeared at reputable auction houses, including Christie’s, where her works have attracted attention from collectors interested in modern Arab art. Beyond her artistic practice, she has played a pivotal role in promoting Middle Eastern art, serving as the founding president of the Royal Society of Fine Arts in Jordan and contributing scholarly publications on Islamic art history.

Princess Wijdan AlHashemi remains an influential figure in both the artistic and academic spheres, celebrated for her dedication to preserving and advancing the cultural legacy of Jordan and the broader Arab world.