Fatma Al Sharshani

Fatma Al Sharshani is a graffiti and mural artist, and calligrapher from Qatar, whose calligraphy and murals have been commissioned by Qatar Museums. She was commissioned by Paris Saint Germain to create a design of Arabic writing which was featured on the football kit worn by the team in their 2025 Trophée des Champions match in Doha. This was significant since it was the first time Arabic language had featured on the club's sportswear.

Career

Al Sharshani has a degree in Chemistry and Food Science from Qatar University.[1] She began to study calligraphy in 2011,[1] after she graduated from university, enrolling on courses at Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.[2] This led to her subsequently studying the artform for seven years.[2] Her first mural was commissioned by Qatar Museums in 2020,[3] titled 'Al Noor' it has a circular design and is situated in Qatar Post Park.[4] Al Sharashani stated that its inspiration came from the poetry of Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani.[5] In 2021, as part of the Qatar-USA Year of Culture, Al Sharshani was commissioned to create her third mural in Portland, USA.[6][2] Entitled Never Ending / Endless, the circular mural uses the Diwani script and is located at Southeast Alder Street and 11th Avenue.[2]

In 2024 Al Sharshani travelled to Morocco as part of a project by Qatar Museums to commission artists to create new work for a 2025 exhibition, entitled Ektashif: Morocco.[7] She has twice been commissioned by the football team Paris Saint Germain (PSG) to create new artwork.[8] The first commission - a skateboard design - was made in 2023 as a partnership between PSG and Clown Skateboards.[9][10] The second commission was for a design in Arabic to feature on shirts worn at the Trophée des Champions match played on 5 January 2025.[8][11] This was the first time that Arabic writing featured on PSG kit.[12]

References

  1. ^ a b "Calligraphy and Culture". Portland Street Art Alliance. 2021-09-07. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  2. ^ a b c d "Qatari Calligrapher Fatima Al-Sharshani Collaborated With Portland Street Art Alliance on a Mural of Evocative Arabic Writing". Willamette Week. 2021-09-08. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  3. ^ العرب (2020-11-19). "‫ 17 فناناً يجمّلون الدوحة عبر «جداري آرت»". alarab.qa (in Arabic). Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  4. ^ "Qatari calligraffiti artist Fatma AlSharshani and her signature style". ILoveQatar.net. Archived from the original on 2023-10-02. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  5. ^ "JEDARIART: Meet the Artists – Part One". Qatar Museums. 10 July 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ AlSharif, Farah (2021-08-30). "Qatari artist's Arabic calligraphy finds new home on US streets". Doha News | Qatar. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  7. ^ Fabrique. "Ektashif: Morocco Exhibition". Museum of Islamic Art. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  8. ^ a b "Paris Saint-Germain unveils exclusive lettering in collaboration with Fatma Al Sharshani". EN.PSG.FR. 2025-01-03. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  9. ^ "Paris Saint-Germain, Clown Skateboards and Fatma Al Sharshani launch Doha Capsule Collection". EN.PSG.FR. 2023-03-16. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  10. ^ Eltayeb, Mohamed (2023-03-17). "PSG launches branded skateboard collaboration with Qatari calligraphist". Doha News | Qatar. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  11. ^ Alaa, Bader (2025-01-05). "PSG Is Wearing Arabic-Printed Jerseys For Its Historic Qatar Match!". Lovin Doha. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  12. ^ Alami, Aymen. "French Super Cup: Hakimi to Face Ben Sghir Wearing Arabic Designs". www.moroccoworldnews.com. Retrieved 2025-01-22.