A couple in pursuit of art

@kabeeryousef -

It's a perfect unison of calligraphy and illumination art with this Turkish couple who flew into the Sultanate of Oman to showcase some of the finest, rarest and precious works of art that blend 3D calligraphy and decorative art in the perfect proportion.

Prof Hüsrev Subaşı and Naciye Subaşı, a Turkish artist couple, are simply bitten by the love bug that they keep visiting the country that has charm in its landscape and people.

"See, the man who went by now doesn't know me, nor do I know him. Still, he greeted me politely and simply speaking, that's what makes the country unique to us," Professor Hüsrev uttered with his innate, contagious smile.

The world-renowned couple is in town as part of the exhibition of calligraphy and illumination by the couple titled 'Al Multazam', which is part of the two great collections of art, the other one is Istanbul Paintings exhibition by artist Selahattin Kara from Mehmet Çebi’s collection at the 'Turkish Culture and Cuisine Week' organised by the Turkish Embassy, in cooperation with Turkish Airlines and the Muscat Grand Millennium Hotel at the Bait Al Zubair Museum.

"We have been to different Arab and other Middle Eastern countries and have visited museums and other art galleries in all the countries. But the love that Omanis have for art and artefacts is amazing," said Naciye Subaşı.

Naciye holds a prime position in the list of illumination artists globally for her expertise and brilliance in the chosen art. She had been a pioneer in calligraphy and her work comprising 3D possibilities has been overwhelming among the art aficionados. Reports suggest that many artists from other countries have been inspired by her work and begun to recreate them. Indeed, she has won several prizes for her micro works from across the world.

"What makes Naciye's work different is her attention to minute details," Ayce Karasac, representative of the Turkish Embassy, said.

Writing on special tree leaves with melted gold is a rare art from Naciye. The last artist known to have specialised in this was before some 200 years and she learned this art by herself on the leaves specially imported from India.

"This artist couple is in Oman for a rare exhibition because it's a unique combination of calligraphy and illumination," she adds.

Both have been major landmarks of the Sultanate of Oman during their short stay here. He prayed at the Grand Mosque and they went around the artistic marvel and were so impressed with the decor, the longest carpet, the specially imported chandeliers and so on and so forth.

"Most attractive among them is the way the Imam appeared and gave a sermon on the wooden-crafted podium. I was so touched by the speech," he recalls.

"The style of the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is marvellous. It is a brilliant work from an artistic point of view," adds Naciye.

Besides the art expo, Prof Hüsrev Subaşı gave a speech titled “The Art of Calligraphy and Calligrapher Ottoman Sultans” which was attended by art enthusiasts and students as well as artists from different walks of life, which was followed by a breathtaking concert by renowned Turkish musician Sedat Anar and his band at the Bait Al Zubair.

He's the last student of Ottoman art under Hamid al Amidee of Türkiye, the famous calligraphy artist for many students across the world. His teacher continued to give the training even after he became an independent artist and grabbed international attention. He is one of the last students of Ottoman art under Hamid al Amidi.

Prof Hüsrev was the person behind calligraphy of more than 20 mosques, including the Istanbul Airport Mosque, and restoration of the historical calligraphies of Süleymaniye Mosque and Fatih Mosque.

For Naciye, illumination art is close to her heart for the last nearly 4 decades plus and she is wowed to carry the Ottoman style of Turkish Illumination and Decorative Arts or 'Tezhip' to the present day and beyond.

'Tezhip' or the 'art of illumination' is an art form of decorating illustrations and artworks with gold and hand carving. Naciye reinterprets this classical style through her own original understanding and creativity.

She has participated in numerous local and international art exhibitions in Dubai, Jeddah, Cairo, Tunisia and Tokyo with her husband.

The calligraphy and art of illumination exhibition of 'Al Multazam' of Prof Hüsrev Subaşı and Naciye Subaşı, along with the Istanbul Paintings exhibition, will continue to host visitors until June 2 at the Bait Al Zubair Museum.