As Splash begins its 20- year journey, it pays tribute to the region with the launch of the first ever Splash Islamic calendar. Created exclusively by world-renowned calligrapher, Wissam Shawkat, the calendar creates a benchmark that gratifies the sensibilities of the Middle Eastern audiences. Featuring the 12 names of Allah in contemporary calligraphic renditions, the calendar takes audiences on a magnificent painterly voyage through the year. Using the highest standards of creativity Wissam captures and portrays the pure essence and meaning of Allah's names that include Ar-Rahman: The All-Merciful, Al-‘Alim: The Knower of All, Al-Salam: The Source of Peace, Al-Wadud: The Loving One, among others. Speaking about this novel concept, Raza Beig, CEO Splash and ICONIC, said “Splash originated in the Middle East 2 decades ago and over the years we have come up with numerous initiatives that have set industry benchmarks. In 2010 we launched the first Splash calendar which was created to satisfy the creative urge of fashion and art connoisseurs in the region. As we get ready to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we present for the very first time the Splash Islamic calendar which is a series of artistic renditions of 12 names of Allah that share a common thread, yet are individualistic in the patterns they create.” As each image tugs at you from both a creative and spiritual level, Wissam's unique style of contemporary culture creates an inimitable piece of art that is bound to stay with the consumer for not just the 365 days but for years to come. “Through the beautiful play of form balance and craft, the calendar is designed keeping in mind the aesthetic and spiritual quotient. The result of Wissam Shawkat's talent is for the world to marvel at and I hope people will enjoy the 12 stunning visuals that scan the months of 2013 as much as we enjoyed creating them.” “The concept of making an art inspired Islamic calendar has never been approached in the region which drove my creative skills. I created a mood board which I wanted to head visually and convey the charisma of each name of Allah. My idea in this artwork is to keep it modern and provide something that has not been tried before, with a combination of traditional and classic forms and modern fonts that have been developed by me. I concentrated on creating something that will be visually attractive and will be etched in the minds of the audiences everywhere,” Wissam Shawkat said. The calendar will be available in a desktop version, across all Splash and Centrepoint stores starting from January 2013 at a minimum purchase of SR100 or equivalent. – SG
