A recent workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) and Arabic calligraphy in Qatar highlighted the need for advancements as it introduced a new AI tool, Wuji, which revealed the deficiencies of popular tools such as Midjourney.
The workshop, organised by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)’s College of Science and Engineering (CSE) in partnership with the Qatar National Library (QNL), was part of a seminar titled AI & Arabic Calligraphy: Crafting Calligraphy in the Digital Age.
CSE associate professor Dr James She, a Doha-based media artist and the lead researcher in AI for Art, Media, Culture, and Heritage initiatives at the HBKU, spearheaded the workshop, which demonstrated Wuji’s ability to overcome Midjourney’s constraints.
This, he stressed, underlined the need for enhanced precision in the creation of Arabic letters and the facilitation of artistic expression across diverse calligraphy styles.
Guided through tasks with training documents, Dr She said participants actively engaged in producing basic Arabic calligraphy artworks, contributing to the ongoing endeavour of bridging the gap between tradition and technology.
He said that the event not only sparked dialogue but also celebrated a transformative journey, uniting tradition and technology to elevate the rich legacy of Arabic calligraphy.
At the event, QNL Information Services librarian Ahmad Naddaf highlighted the importance of utilising digital technologies and emerging AI to assist the public in learning, researching, preserving, and crafting Arabic calligraphy.
Bashayer Ali Albadr and Mohamed Hosam al-Nahas, meanwhile, shared their experiences and exhibited their calligraphy using traditional techniques.
Right: Albadr (left), al-Nahas and Dr She at the event.
Ahmad Naddaf speaking at the event.
