Biography
Mawadah Muhtasib is a Saudi artist, designer, and innovator whose groundbreaking work has earned her critical acclaim and international recognition. Her distinctive style blends the ancient tradition of Arabic calligraphy with the bold, expressive energy of graffiti art.
As the creator of the first-ever reversed Arabic Calligraffiti typeface, Mawadah has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of calligraphy. Her beautiful, decorative handwriting is a celebration of two eras, merging the legacy of Arabic calligraphy with the progressive spirit of graffiti art.
Mawadah's art has been featured in exhibitions, collaborations, and contests around the world, including London, UNESCO France, Kuala Lumpur, New York, Detroit, and Brazil. Her work has also caught the attention of international luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Montblac, Estee Lauder ,Carolina Herrera, Purification García, Sephora, and Tory Burch.
With her passion for creativity and innovation, Mawadah continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world with her stunning calligraphy and bold artistic vision.
Mawadah Muhtasib is a visionary Saudi artist hailing from the city of Jeddah. She holds a a Bachelor's degree in Motion Graphics from the esteemed Dar AlHekma University in Saudi Arabia, Mawadah's work was recognized both nationally and internationally with her distinguished paintings and inspiring calligraffiti typeface.
Her one-of-a-kind calligraffiti typeface, a stunning fusion of calligraphy and graffiti, has garnered praise from media outlets and art initiatives across the globe. Mawadah has won art contests, participated in Saudi royal functions, and showcased her paintings to the world. Her calligraffiti typeface, born from her love of Arabic letters' beauty and form and her admiration for graffiti art, is a celebration of the legacy of Arabic calligraphy and the progressiveness of graffiti art.Mawadah's calligraffiti typeface is an artistic expression of her personality as a creative, forward-thinking, non-traditional Saudi woman rooted deeply in her Arabic-Islamic-Saudi heritage. Her mirrored letters are not necessarily readable to the observer, but the beauty of her strokes serves as a testament to the ideology of her art, inspiring her to express herself freely with the confidence that only she can comprehend the written content of her art.
Her art has transcended borders and traveled the world for exhibitions, collaborations, and contests. Mawadah has exhibited her art in diverse locations, from the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the bustling cities of New York, London ,France , and Detroit. She was the youngest artist ever to win the Create & Inspire contest in Brazil and collaborated with international luxury brands like Louis Vuitton , Montblanc, Estee Lauader , Sephora , Karl Lagerfeld, Purification Garcia, and Tory Burch between 2014 and 2023.
In 2016, Mawadah made history as the first Saudi artist to win the Art Bus competition in Dubai, where her winning painting was printed on two busses that traveled around the city's streets for days. She was also appointed by HRH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's office to participate in creating the longest graffiti roll that broke the Guinness World Record that year.
Mawadah's talent has been recognized locally as well. The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithraa) chose her among selective Saudi artists to showcase her work at an art exhibition as part of the preparation for the historical first presidential visit of President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia in 2017. HRH the custodian of the Holy Mosques, King Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, visited the exhibition alongside the President of the United States and his entourage to view the astounding Saudi art collection.
As a sign of appreciation for her exceptional talent, Ithraa granted Mawadah a full sponsorship for an Art Residency in the vibrant city of New York, USA. During her time in New York, the United Nations selected her work to be exhibited among globally remarkable artists at the prestigious International UN Bazar in NYC.
Overall, Mawadah's groundbreaking work has had a significant impact on the art and design industry in Saudi Arabia, sparking creativity, promoting cultural heritage, and elevating the country's artistic profile on the global stage.