Tunisian artist popularizes 'calligraffiti'
Tunisian-born eL Seed, an internationally famous artist and sculptor, uses Arabic-style "calligraffiti" to promote cross-cultural tolerance.
Born Faouzi Khleefi to Tunisian parents in Paris, the artist eL Seed marries Arabic calligraphy with graffiti and gives it a modern, colorful twist. Taking up “calligraffiti” full-time just a few years ago, the iconoclastic artist has already left his indelible mark on edifices all over the world. From Gabes, Tunisia, where he painted an imposing minaret in 2012, to Montreal, Paris, New York, Dubai and Doha, eL Seed has spread his far-reaching creative wings.
Promoting a universal message of tolerance while limning a strong Arab identity, he gracefully balances his personality as a contemporary artist with his social responsibility. eL Seed aims to bridge the gap between the East and the West — a fetishized disconnect he rejects. His approach is not pedagogical but rather aesthetic and demonstrative. His pieces are visually striking and often overwhelming in size, seeking to take hold of the viewer in a visceral way by means of color, composition and message.
eL Seed’s most current exhibit, “Declaration,” featuring calligraffiti sculptures, runs through Dec. 27 at Tashkeel Studio Hub in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai.
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