Emirati calligrapher Mattar Bin Lahej has showcased his distinctive penmanship on a range of unique items, including the engine of a Rolls-Royce, an ancient Drour calendar, and a miniature version of the Museum of the Future (MOTF), as part of his latest exhibition.
Revealed during the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, the collection comprises more than ten pieces exploring textures, colors, materials, and various forms of calligraphy. Speaking at his namesake gallery in Jumeirah, Bin Lahej emphasized the importance of creating art for the future, something that his children and grandchildren can take pride in.
The Mattar Bin Lahej Gallery, located on Al Wasl Road, was established as the region’s first of its kind to inspire young, emerging artists in the UAE. In 2016, the Sketch Art Cafe was introduced, allowing visitors to unleash their creative potential by painting coffee mugs and trying their hand at various art forms.
Bin Lahej, a father of six, actively involves his family in his artistic endeavors. Some of his children work alongside him, while his daughter is engaged with the Sketch Art café. This family-oriented approach to art is deeply rooted in his values.
For Bin Lahej, the drive to be distinct is his constant motivator. He converted a bachelor’s accommodation villa into his art gallery, a decision that puzzled many at the time. However, his passion for being different and pursuing his unique vision has led to one successful project after another. He channels his fatigue into the drive to achieve, a key factor in his ongoing artistic journey.
During the exhibition’s opening, art enthusiasts, including a young painter named Maryam, showed their appreciation for Bin Lahej’s work. The 7-year-old Maryam expressed her love for painting and drawing, aspiring to open her own art gallery in the future, continuing her artistic family tradition.
In the coming week, Emirati calligrapher Mattar Bin Lahej will present his artwork at the Al Wasl Dome in Expo City Dubai, providing more opportunities for art enthusiasts to be mesmerized by his work.
