Indian calligrapher adds colour, enthusiasm to World Cup mood

Vibrant graffiti depicting football fever and adorning streets, walls, stadiums and buildings have earned appreciation from fans who descended on the country from across the world for the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Among these works are the much celebrated Arhbu mural at Doha Corniche, a painting at Lusail Stadium of Lionel Messi’s trademark pointing to the sky celebration, and the Now Is All mural, again at the Corniche.
Indian calligrapher Abdul Kareem is glad to leave his mark on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 while giving vent to his creativity to promote football by mixing heritage and culture with the beautiful game.
“I could play a role in the World Cup by enthralling the fans and showing them Qatar’s love for art and football,” he told Gulf Times.
Popularly known as “Kareemgraphy”, the Qatar resident is a professional artist and has been active in calligraphy and painting.
He was selected by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and invited to share his talent while lending Qatar’s guests a picture of the country’s rich artistic and visual scene during the World Cup.
The artist painted live 10 murals at Doha Corniche, Lusail Stadium, Al Messila and Umm Salal Desert.
The artworks highlight Qatar’s tradition, culture and its passion for football.
Pictures of his tribute to Morocco’s win were widely shared among Arab fans.
The painting has two wings, with one showing Qatar’s flag and the other featuring Morocco’s flag, depicting the warm relations between both nations.
The artist also received recognition from FIFA when his calligraphy was included in the latest song Ezz Alarab in both video and poster.
What makes the paintings special is that they are closely attached to Qatar’s arts and cultural legacy.
“My works have melded the artistic features of Arabic calligraphy. I used Arabic letters with some murals to highlight the Arab art,” the artist said, observing that it was a different experience to paint on streets.
“Streets are amazing places with great artistic potential. Even without art, the streets are beautiful and they stay alive,” Kareemgraphy explained. “While colouring the streets, I tried to make them further beautiful and intact.”
The artist said that his works were widely appreciated by fans from across the world, and he has received recognition from local and international artists.
“My works are viewed by thousands, and I feel happy (when I see) them taking pictures,” he remarked. “Being part of the artists’ collective, I could learn a lot while sharing the ideas and experiences. Many presented me with gifts in appreciation of my work.”