Kufi Arts : An introduction

What is KUFI?
Some people call it KUFIC, no matter what, it is actually a FONT from many styles of Arabic calligraphy . Some classified it as ‘modern calligraphy arts’, on the other hand, history has proven that this type of font existed since the ancient age on the ruined wall of old buildings.

Posing by a 3D Kufi by A fellow kufier, Ariff Azahari

In this post, I am not going to discuss or rather elaborate too much on Kufi. I am going to show some simple example on how to draw (or write) kufi square (murabba, in Arabic)

I have to admit that I am not very good in writing or even reading all Arabic script. I began to like kufi after finding out the dicipline and the art to design a write up or words using it.

In our language, we also have ‘alphabet’ similar to Arabic, we called it JAWI. Well, obviously, it was ‘adopted’ from Arabic, sometime ago before the modern Malays learned to read and write in Romanist RUMI (in Malay) . Oider folks can still converse in Jawi, but younger generation knows little about it.

The above image, as an example are the names if members of a family. Written in Jawi, converted into Kufi.

These are the KUFI alphabet, the basis of all kufi deaign...

As an architect, I found it very interesting to include the kufi deaign into the building that I design, of course not all the buildings.

I also found it was very challenging to design a kufi square, to suite the function and meaning of a building and space required.

These are the kufi images in different forms I did for Tabung Haji Convention Center Complex in Sepang (near KLIA Airport).

Some may think that they are similar to QR code and orhers thought they resemble the maze. Come to think of it, they are quite true.

Look at this one, it is supposed ti be the name of a friend, ZAINAL ABIDIN HARUN.

It was done a few years ago by his friend, which I found it not very correct. So I took the challenge to make it right for him...

It supposed to be read from bottom right, clockwise to the center.

What was shown above is the o’skool way. Kufi Murabba can be designed and presented using Photoshop and other application as well. Well, musch easier, I guess...

(Sorry, in Malay language)

These are mire sample of Kufi Murabba that I designed

Kufi as ventilation block..

We have a Kufi Community locally, we called our selves FOKS (Friends of Kufi Square). Among others, our activities are discussing, learning, charity work to design, painting, consulting and many more...

Enough for the introduction. I hope to post more info and share many more knowledges about this unique arts...

Till then... salam.