Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
THESIS STATEMENT
By examining the enhanced and evolved forms of Arabic script, Khatt will illuminate new ways of perceiving other cultures.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
Young adults ages 17 —28
MISSION STATEMENT
Arabic script has textural and visual anomalies between its two defined categories, traditional and modern. The dynamic elements of its forms illustrate the riches of Arabic attracting a youthful audience who may not be familiar with the expressions of creativity. Islamic history is full of intellectual mastery and ingenuity that has brought guidance and value to our Islamic civilized society today. Through juxtaposition of old and new, Khatt will reveal this dialogue and introduce an insight to the ancient manuscript, the Quran, Muslims’ foundation for life. Utilizing geometry, pattern, and shapes as a basis, my exhibit will help illustrate the evolution of ideas and techniques that are inherent cultural values. Examining this art can help bring to life the nuances of Arabian culture and its philosophy. This will guide the audience as they learn more about this elevated noble art, encouraging a new cultural understanding.
LOCATION
The Kennedy Center —Terrace level, Nations Gallery
PROJ EC T OVE RVIEW
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Mission Statement
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EXHIBIT ATTRIBUTES
TONE OF EXHIBIT
Cultural & mutual understanding, Cross–hybridization, Importance of history The use of engaging multi–medias will draw the audience to this exhibit helping to promote awareness of culture & religion. The appreciation of art will help unify this diverse audience.
COLOR PALETTE ACCENT COLORS
TYPOGRAPHY
Mrs Eaves –Serif ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Talib Kulkufi – Display ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Talib - intercultural type research is a project by eps51 [Ben Wittner and Sascha Thoma], dealing with the hybridization of Latin and Arabic typographic forms, exploring the effect of globalization on contemporary global graphic design.
PROJ EC T OVE RVIEW
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Goals + Objectives
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TON E + AMB IAN C E
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Visual Inspiration
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Riches of an Ancient Language
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Merging World's
Cultural Context
The Written Word
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orientation
film
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Female Calligraphers
The Need to Write
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Riches of an Ancient Language
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EXH IB IT WAL KT H ROU GH
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Experience Diagram
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ENTRANCE: Khatt—The Basis of Calligraphy
As visitors enter the Hall of Nations they will walk through a series of arches. Each arch has a teaser that will allude to the type of content found in the exhibit.
﴿ Spoken by over 280 million people
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E N T RAN C E L AYOU T
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Hall of Nations
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ENTRANCE: KHATT—THE BASIS OF CALLIGRAPHY As visitors enter the exhibit they will walk through an
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Islamic inspired frame with geometric pattern . This will allude to the type of content displayed within.
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Entrance Area
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Through juxtaposition of old and new, Khatt will reveal this dialogue and introduce an insight to the ancient manuscript, the Quran, Muslims’ foundation for life. Utilizing geometry, pattern, and shapes as a basis, this exhibit will help illustrate the evolution of ideas.
Through juxtaposition of old and new, Khatt will reveal this dialogue and introduce an insight to the ancient manuscript, the
4.5'
Quran, Muslims’ foundation for life. Utilizing geometry, pattern, and shapes as a basis, my exhibit will help illustrate the evolution of ideas and techniques that are inherent cultural values.
3'
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Introductory Panel
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60 point for reading distances up to about 3.5 feet | Shown: Mrs Eaves
The Prophet Mohammed ()ﷺ 48 point for reading distances up to about 3 feet | Shown: Talib Kulkufi Rounded
600
Introductory Panel
cultural context
20 point for reading distances up to about 1.5 feet | Shown: Talib Kulkufi Rounded Designers that are unaware of the Arabic language can forget its cultural significance which sometimes can lead to incorrect translation, or worse offending the culture.
Yaqut Al-Mustasimi 13th Century Thuluth Script Text Label
Accent Colors
Yaqut al-Musta'simi 13th century Thuluth Script
T Y POGRAPH IC ST Y L E S
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Font Selections + Sizes
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ORIENTATION: THE NEED TO WRITE
Visitors will be introduced to a traditional Islamic family that will help guide them throughout the exhibit. The direct experience with these interactive will give an insight on the subtleties and nuances of Islamic Calligraphy, and will also provide a brief glimpse on the Islamic faith and Arabic culture. A box of reed pens will be displayed for visitors to use and will also be a keepsake to remind them of their overall experience.
ď´ż The holy book all Muslims seek for guidance, relief, and illumination to their lives is the Quran, the only living manuscript from its time.
Refe re n ce Im a ge
ORIE N TAT ION
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
The Need to Write
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RICHES OF AN ANCIENT LANGUAGE
With over a billion believers worldwide, Islam has motivated and inspired the evolution of Arabic script, transforming what began as a primitive style into an influential form of art. The adaptation of Islamic faith encouraged Muslims to abide by Islamic rules and embed stylistic creations that are within these inherent laws. A time line with different Arabic phrases will reveal the traditional methods of this Islamic form.
ď´ż Riches of an Ancient Language
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Riches of an Ancient Language
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RICHES OF AN ANCIENT LANGUAGE
"In the Name of God the Most Gracious the Most Merciful" will be presented in gold calligraphy on black wall, mimicking the look of the Ka'aba (the most sacred site in Islam). Using one common phrase among Muslims in different forms will evoke the different evolved styles throughout time.
ď´ż
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Riches of an Ancient Language
11
MERGING WORLD'S
The absence of Arabic interface forced native Arabs to use the Latin interface to express Arabic words. This phenomenon was an interesting new representation of typography. Merging World's will focus on the cross cultural exchange that created a hybrid language. Visitor's can type their name in English and watch how the Fatima and Ali type in Arabic using Latin and Arabic numerals.
ď´ż
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Merging World's
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ď´ż i islam
MERGING WORLD'S
This section will display an interactive table that features the latest technology that integrates Islamic designs and applications. By displaying this, visitors will begin to understand the different ways Muslims seek to communicate and adapt their religion and culture.
merging Worlds The absence of Arabic interface forced native Arabs to use the Latin interface to express Arabic words. This phenomenon was an interesting new representation of typography.
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Merging World's
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ď´ż i ask
cultural context
CULTURAL CONTEXT
Designers that are unaware of the Arabic language can forget its cultural significance which sometimes can lead to incorrect translation, or worse offending the culture. Seeking deep into different cultures, traditions, and religious contexts can help convey a message directly and effectively. "I ask" will give visitors the chance to ask questions to a panel of five different people that fully have the knowledge and experience with Cultural sensitivity.
Designers that are unaware of the Arabic language can forget its cultural significance which sometimes can lead to incorrect translation, or worse offending the culture.
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Cultural Context
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CULTURAL CONTEXT
A dark box containing controversial images will get visitors thinking about the actually content, The box is to not offend any of the visitors as well as get others thinking why it secluded in such a manner. A docent dressed traditionally will help visitors think about what might be going on in the image.
ď´ż
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Cultural Context
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CULTURAL CONTEXT
In the" i answer" section, a touch screen is available for visitors to read the thoughts of other people on this matter. They can also use their reed pens to participate in this dialogue and input their personal views to share with other people.
ď´ż i answer
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Cultural Context
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﴿ primitive to precision
The writen word
THE WRITTEN WORD
Calligraphy isn’t written with a pen and pencil. Creating informative displays and inter actives that include tools, instruments, and materials will bring a different perspective on the various techniques used in calligraphy. This direct experience will give an insight on the subtleties and nuances of Arabic speaking audiences, and will also provide a brief glimpse on the Islamic faith and Arabic culture.
Calligraphy isn’t written with a pen and pencil. Creating informative displays and inter actives that include tools, instruments, and materials will bring a different perspective on...
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
The Written Word
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THE WRITTEN WORD
The Quran had to be presented in a way that brought attention and importance of the written word. Therefore, the primitive and functional form of writing the Quran evolved into a sophisticated formal art; calligraphy, khatt, one of the highest and purist forms of visual art in the Islamic world. This section was designed to look traditionally Islamic, and sense the importance of the context. Because non-Muslims cannot touch the Quran, a large interactive Quran will be displayed in the middle where visitors can flip the pages to get a better understanding of the Quran in general.
ď´ż
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
The Written Word
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ď´ż level of skill
THE WRITTEN WORD
Islam has exerted also a more subtle, a more indirect influence on the development of calligraphy: by discouraging the graphic representation of human beings and animals it channeled the creative energies of Muslim artists toward other decorative arts, especially calligraphy. Both of these inter actives will give the visitor an opportunity to see the different types of imagery depicting using Arabic letter, and try writing letters using their reed pens.
Muslim Praying
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
The Written Word
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FEMALE CALLIGRAPHERS
There were a few women practicing calligraphy as early as the 10th century. In fact, the great calligrapher Yaqut al-Musta‘simi studied calligraphy with a woman named Shuhda Bint Al-‘Ibari, a student in the direct line from Ibn al-Bawwab. These women possessed a great skill and talent taking the responsibility of writing many fine Koranic manuscripts. A short film will feature different stories of Muslim woman practicing calligraphy today.
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Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Female calligraphers
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ISLAMIC INSPIRED
Today the most commonly adapted form in Islamic Art is geometry. From the 10th century onward this mathematics and proportional form was used by Muslims as an abstraction of form. This preferred art form is used all over Islamic regions alongside calligraphy and organic forms and became the lingua franca of aesthetics and Islamic design. Behind the small curved wall are the terrace doors that bring in natural day light. A film with a geometric pattern surrounded by the gold frame at the Kennedy Center will reflect a pattern on the floor leading to the title of the exhibit, Khatt.
ď´ż
Refe re n ce Im a ge
INTER PR ETIV E D E SIGN APPROAC H
Mishael Alajmi | Thesis for the Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Geometric Window Frame
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