Event Status : Open

Join a special Islamic calligraphy workshop led by visiting artists from Brunei Darussalam.

Facilitator : Norazela binti Tali (Zela) & Noor Aziemah binti Awang Ahmad (Aziemah)

Join us for a special hands-on Islamic Calligraphy Workshop presented by the Islamic Museum of Australia in collaboration with the Islamic Calligraphy and Art Study Centre Foundation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei Darussalam.

As part of Open House Melbourne, this unique workshop is led by two visiting calligraphy artists from Brunei Darussalam, offering a rare opportunity to learn directly from experienced practitioners of one of the Islamic world's most celebrated art forms.

Discover the history and beauty of Islamic calligraphy before learning traditional techniques through guided, hands-on practice. Whether you're a beginner or simply curious to explore a new art form, you'll create your own calligraphy piece to take home.

This workshop celebrates a special cultural collaboration between Australia and Brunei, showcasing the enduring tradition of Islamic calligraphy and the power of art to connect communities.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of Islamic calligraphy. 
• Hold and use a calligraphy pen correctly.
• Produce basic Arabic calligraphic strokes.
• Write several Arabic letters with correct proportions.
• Create a simple Islamic calligraphy artwork to take home. 

About the Facilitators

Norazela binti Tali (Zela), Islamic Calligrapher

Zela is a Bruneian professional calligrapher or khattat known for her expertise in Diwani Jaly and Tsuluts in Islamic calligraphy. Zela works as an official khattat creating canvas artworks, public exhibitions and also collaborative pieces. She serves as an artisan at the Islamic Calligraphy and Art Study Centre Foundation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Brunei and also conducts public workshops.

Noor Aziemah binti Awang Ahmad (Aziemah), Islamic Pattern Designer

Aziemah is a Bruneian designer specializes in traditional and visual Islamic arts. She gained recognition for her intricate designs that weave Bruneian culture, native flora, and traditional motifs into contemporary forms. She also serves as an artisan at the Islamic Calligraphy and Art Study Centre Foundation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Brunei and also conducts public workshops.