Mouneer Al-Shaarani — Against the Grain: Exploring the Scope of the Arabic Letter

By Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès and Nagla Samir Mouneer Al-Shaarani is a prolific and highly acclaimed Syrian calligrapher and designer. Born on September 6, 1952, in Salamiya, Syria, Al-Shaarani began his calligraphic apprenticeship at a young age, with Syrian master calligrapher Muhammad Badawi Al-Dirani (1894–1967). After 1967, and in parallel with his studies, he practiced calligraphy as sign-painter and created lettering for billboard advertising and other design commissions. He was a member of the first graduating class from the Graphic Design program at the Faculty of Fine Arts (Kulliyat al-Funūn) in Damascus University, studying under eminent design pioneer Abdelkader Arnaout (1936–1992), graduating in 1977. This book intends to shed light on Al-Shaarani’s prolific graphic design practice and his unique visual language, tracing the tumultuous life of Al-Shaarani, his serial migrations and their effect on his work. The volume presents a clear vision of Mouneer Al-Shaarani’s willingness to go against the grain in exploring the scope of the Arabic letter and its potential for continuing renewal, evolution, and cultural progress. Published by Khatt Books, 2023 Bilingual, in English and Arabic Hardcover, 176 pages, color and b&w images, 6.75 × 9 inches ISBN: 978-9-49-093929-8