Light Calligraphy is an art of a most unusual kind, blending words, light and photography. It has been worldwide known and practiced in different ways but it has only recently been introduced to Egypt. By Manar Heikal, contributor, EgyptianStreets.com Freedom, so dearly sought by many, floats in swooping fuchsia Arabic letters above the rocky shore of the Eastern Harbour, with Alexandria’s skyline glittering in the background. Alexandrians Khadiga El-Ghawas and Amira Elsammak, co-founders of Wamda Light Calligraphy, are currently the only two doing it Egypt, but they’re working with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) to change that. “Wamda is a spark of light,” explains El-Ghawas. “We chose this name for our team as it represents hope and guidance, just like how hopeful our team is.” El-Ghawas, a dental medicine student in her junior year at Alexandria University, has long been interested in calligraphy. In 2011, she won first place in the Revolution in Arabic Calligraphy Eyes competition, sponsored by BA’s Calligraphy Center. Realizing her talent, her family encouraged her to study at the calligraphy school. Elsammak, a professional photographer and graphic designer who has exhibited in Egypt and Italy, shares El-Ghawas’ passion for calligraphy and arts. Inspired from the work of French artist and light calligrapher Julian Breton as well as Egyptian artist…
