Untitled

Madiha Umar pioneered the Hurufiyya movement (a modern approach to the use of Arabic letters in art) in the Arab world, paving the way for the emergence of this style in the mid-twentieth century. Her first solo exhibition was held in Washington D.C. in 1949; later that same year, she authored an essay titled, ‘Arabic Calligraphy: An Inspiring Element in Abstract Art.’ The Arabic script evolved beyond its communicative function through her experimental approach, delving deep into its aesthetic abilities. She was heavily engaged with the individuality of the letter within the Arabic script, showcasing its decorative and malleable qualities in formulating abstract compositions. Her modern methodologies were influenced by exploring new modes of visual expression while incorporating the essence of the region’s heritage. Notions of identity, politics, and spirituality informed early interpretations of the Hurufiyya movement, integrating the Arabic letter into the visual identity of modern Arab art. This example by Madiha Umar was created in 1966 following her return to Iraq from the United States, where she taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad.