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Saudi Gazette
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Ministry of Culture unveils new typefaces as testaments to legacy of Saudi culture and heritage
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Culture announced on Wednesday the launch of two new typefaces — the Al-Awwal and the Saudi. Both typefaces, which celebrate the Kingdom's culture, will be available to individuals and organizations wishing to use them in formal, design, artistic and creative works. The new typefaces, developed by the Ministry of Culture and inspired by ancient inscriptions, are designed for everyone to use and explore. Al-Awwal connects deep roots of Saudi culture to the vibrant present, inspired by the earliest Arabic scripts and is a testament to the Saudi cultural legacy. The Ministry of Culture worked to implement the Al-Awwal and the Saudi typefaces, inspired by using the distinctive artistic features of Arabic script, to preserve the characteristics of early calligraphy and inscriptions. Al-Awwal is a thoughtful reimagining of a handwriting style that takes many of its cues from the inscriptions of the first Hijri century. The Al-Awwal typeface integrates modern calligraphy techniques to closely emulate the letter forms in the early stages of development, connecting the present with the origins, foundations and early history of the region. The Saudi typeface is partly inspired by Al-Awwal and embodies creative ingenuity whilst maintaining the aesthetic of the Kingdom's historical heritage. Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah said: "The launch of the Al-Awwal and Saudi typefaces is a tribute to the Kingdom's vast cultural and aesthetic heritage. Each typeface serves as a bridge between the past and the present, merging traditional elements with contemporary design principles. This harmonious blend not only honors the Kingdom's legacy but also inspires innovation.' The development of the two typefaces began with a historical foundation and archaeological elements, representing the ancient Arabic writings, and reflecting the style of ancient scripts. Both typeface designs are based on creative thinking and interdisciplinary integration among manuscript studies, art history, linguistics, design and digital programming. Designed to celebrate the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, these typefaces enhance aesthetic proportions and spacing between letters, words, lines, dots and diacritics. By integrating historical foundations with innovative design elements, the Ministry of Culture's introduction of the new typefaces not only preserves but also reinvigorates a vital aspect of Saudi Arabia's heritage. The meticulous effort put into creating these typefaces manifests an ideal equilibrium between tradition and modernity, offering a notable tribute to the Kingdom's cultural legacy.
Arab News
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
What We Are Reading Today: ‘Contemporary Kingdom'
The new edition of 'Contemporary Kingdom' is a lush green coffee table volume that is more than worthy of the space it occupies. Building on the original 2014 release, the new edition offers a sweeping insight into one of the world's most dynamic art scenes. With expanded coverage, it dives deep into the Kingdom's bold and vibrant creative landscape through essays and detailed profiles of contemporary Saudi artists. This expanded volume charts the evolution of Saudi Arabia's art scene. It highlights visionary artists, pivotal moments and cultural shifts that have pushed the Kingdom onto the global art stage. From historical context to groundbreaking contemporary movements, the book captures a transformative journey in motion. Physically substantial, the book feels symbolic — like a literal building block in the ongoing construction of Saudi Arabia's artistic future. Featuring a foreword by Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah, Part 1 is titled 'The Ecosystem' and includes essays by notable Saudi voices such as Ashraf Fagih and Dalal Majed, alongside international contributors. Part 2 presents profiles of 55 Saudi artists, complete with suggestions for further reading. Launched by Canvas Magazine in collaboration with the Visual Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture, the book made its debut during the inaugural Art Week Riyadh, which ended on April 13. 'Contemporary Kingdom, Second Edition' is available for purchase at the Riyadh Art Building in JAX, Diriyah, adjacent to the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, through the end of May.
