Abdelrahman Elshahed (b. 1993, Makkah, KSA), Elshahed learned the art of calligraphy in the Holy Mosque of Makkah, and he received the Calligraphy certification ‘Ijaza’ in 2012. Along with his interests in Art, he taught Arabic Calligraphy at the Holy Mosque of Makkah, gave several lectures and workshops on Islamic art, and published a number of research papers within the field. He obtained a master’s degree in architecture 2021| KAU. Elshahed worked as a creative director and organized many exhibitions and artistic programs, as well as a consultant to the initiative of the Year of Arabic Calligraphy 2021 launched by the Saudi Ministry of Culture.
In his artistic practice, his works focus on spiritual geometric (Arabic calligraphy) and his works discuss multiple ideas and concepts as important values for humanity, and show them through mixed media forms and deep symbolism. The Calligraphy and Architecture are an important communication tools in his contemporary artistic dialogue.
He designed one of the largest calligraphy gates in the world, which was in Jeddah International Book Fair 2016 | KSA.
Elshahed has participated in several group exhibitions around the world such as Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, and Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada. He has won many awards, including Okaz International Prize for Arabic Calligraphy 2011, Qadasah International Short Film Award 2013. And Local Prize (Building Planning and Design) from The Saudi Umran Society 2016.
Elhahed’s works have been acquired by many organizations and institutions such as: UNESCO in Paris, France, Prince Mohammed bin Salman International Center for Arabic Calligraphy in Madinah, KSA, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, KSA, and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, KSA.
Elshahed has private collections in several countries such as: US, Germany, Turkey, UAE, China, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.