LECTURES AND PUBLICATIONS

PAPERS AND ARTICLES

“Arabic Calligraphy: From Script to Art” in Inscription as Art in the World of Islam, Habibeh Rahim, ed., AMS Press, New York, forthcoming.

“The Art of Arabic Calligraphy” reprinted in Arabic Font Specimen Book by Edo Smitshuijzen, De Buitenkant, Amsterdam, 2009.

“Square Kufic Calligraphy in Identity Design,” Identity magazine, No. 8, Autumn, 2006, pp. 78-82 (translated to and published in Russian).

(Principles of Square Kufic Design), Hrouf Arabiyya (Arabic Letters Journal), issue 13, Dubai, October 2004, pp. 4-12. In Arabic

“Muqarnas: The making of a New Term in Islamic Architecture,” paper presented at Historians of Islamic Art Annual Majlis, University of Washington, Seattle, Wa, February 21, 2004.

 “Mysteries of Square Kufi” in Future Vision, issue 12, 2003. BH Publishing, London, pp. 16-18.

“Arabic Calligraphy in the Digital Age” in Inscription as Art in the World of Islam, edited by Habibeh Rahim. Westport, Greenwood Publishing, 2002 (In print). Note: the publishing of this book is delayed and will be carried on by AMS Press, New York, forthcoming.

"The Topkapi Scroll: Geometry and Ornament in Islamic Architecture” book review, Religious Studies Review.

“The Art of Arabic Calligraphy” Iman Impact, Newsletter of International Muslimah Artists Network: Vol. 1, Issue 3, Nov. 1999. pp. 5-8.

"Muqarnas in Aleppo: Early Examples" MESA National Convention; San Francisco, CA (1997).

"Geometry of Ribbed Domes in Spain and North Africa" Journal of the History of Arabic Science; Aleppo, Syria: vol. 11 (1997).

"Arabic Calligraphy in the Digital Age" Hofstra University; New York, April 1996.

"Arabic Calligraphy for the Age of Computers" The AMC Report; New York, Aug. 1995.

"Muslim Calligraphers in America" Iqra Magazine; San Jose, California, May 1994.

"An Islamic Image: English in Arabic Garb" Iqra Magazine; San Jose, California, July 1993.

"An Islamic Image: Calligraphy as Graphics" Iqra Magazine; San Jose, California, May 1993.

"Al Khatt al Kufi al tarbi'i fil amarah al Islamiyya" (Square Kufi in Islamic Architecture) Alam Al-Bena Magazine; Cairo, Egypt, July 1992.

"Designing Publications with Compatible Arabic and Roman Scripts" 2nd International Conference on Computer Technology in Service of Islam; San Jose, CA, April 1992.

"Geometry of Ribbed Domes in Spain and North Africa" International Symposium for the History of Arabic Science; Granada, Spain, March 1992.

"Blending in FreeHand" Mac Magazine; Beirut, Sep. 1990.

"Thoughts on Visual Compatibility of Bilingual Publications" Second Cambridge Conference on Bilingual Computing in Arabic and English; Cambridge, Sep. 1990.

"Domes and Rotating Squares" Symmetry in a Kaleidoscope Symposium; Budapest, Hungary (1989).

"A Call for Just Peace" Reflex; Seattle, Sep. 1989.

"Drawing the Future" book review, Albenaa Magazine; Jan./Feb. 1989.

"An Introduction to Muqarnas Domes Geometry" Structural Topology #14; Montréal (1988).

"Muqarnas Domes, and the Image of the Arab-Islamic City" Regional and Urban Planning Symposium; Aleppo, Syria, May 1988.

WORKSHOPS AND LECTURES

“What did OpenType open for Arabic Typography” at Non-Latin typeface design conference, St. Bride Library, London, September 18-19, 2007.

“Arabic Calligraphy: Origins and Modern Developments” at Bellevue Art Museum, Bellevue, January 19, 2007.

Gallery tour of the Islamic Calligraphy Exhibit of Muhamed Zakariya at Bellevue Art Museum, Bellevue, January 7, 2007.

“Calligraphic Reflections of Life in America,” 2006 Northwest Folklife Festival, Seattle, May 27, 2006.

“Art in Syria: A Personal Reflection,” University of Washington Club, University of Washington, April 27, 2006.

“Expanding Horizons for Arabic Typography,” Kitabat Arabic calligraphy and typography conference, American University of Dubai, Dubai, April 5-8, 2006.

Panelist in “Technology Forum,” Kitabat Arabic calligraphy and typography conference, American University of Dubai, Dubai, April 5-8, 2006.

“Issues in Arabic Fonts,” VOLT Day, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, June 2, 2005.

“Unity, Beauty, and Power: Islamic Art of Calligraphy,” University of Washington, Seattle, WA, May 26, 2005.

“Islamic Architecture in Uzbekistan: Bukhara,” Central Asia Circle, NELC, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, April 29, 2005.

“Traditional Islamic Crafts of Uzbekistan,”  16th. Annual Nicolas Poppe Symposium, NELC, University of Washington, Seattle, Wa. May 22 2004.

“Calligraphy and Architectural Design in Uzbekistan,”  Denny Hall, NELC, University of Washington, Seattle, Wa. April 15 2004.

“History of Islamic Calligraphy,” Al Biruni Institute of Oriental Studies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 26, 2004.

“My Calligraphic Artwork,” The Center for Contemporary Art, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 25, 2004.

“Muslim Life in America,” Tashkent Islamic University, March 25, 2004 (in Arabic and English), and Institute of History, April 1, 2004, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“Answers for an Indiginous Architecture in Aleppo,” College of Architecture, University of Aleppo, Syria, October 29, 2003 (in Arabic).

 “My Journy to Arab Art,” Syrian Architects and Engineers Associatation, Aleppo, Syria, October 25, 2003 (in Arabic).

“Square Kufic in Islamic Architecture,” Arab Culture Center, Aleppo, Syria, October 24, 2003 (in Arabic).

“OpenType for Fine Arabic Typography,” slide presentation, AtypI 2003 Conference, Vancouver BC, September 26-28.

Panelist in “What is Arabic Typography,” AtypI 2003 Conference, Vancouver BC, September 26-28.

“Traditional Arabic Calligraphy and Modern Arab Artists: A Personal Experience” opening lecture for Arab American artists exhibition. University of Michigan-Dearborn. September 2003.

Panelist in “Struggling to Express: Endeavors in the Arts,” Islam in America Conference, Harvard University, Harvard, MA 2003.

“The History of Islamic Calligraphy” and “Contemporary Islamic Calligraphy” lectures at Lamu Cultural Festival. Lamu, Kenya 2002.

“Reeds Under The Pyramids: Islamic Calligraphy in Egypt” lecture sponsored by The American Research Center in Egypt, Northwest Chapter. University of Washington, Seattle, WA 2002.

“Art of Arabic Calligraphy.” Lecture and workshop at Arab Festival, Seattle Center, 2001.

"Islamic Calligraphy: Contemporary Variations on an Ancient Art" lecture and "Arabic Calligraphy" workshop at King Library, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 2001.

"Islamic Art" Guest lecture in the course Islamic Civilization, NELC, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 2000.

"Islamic Calligraphy" lecture to high school students, Seattle Academy, Seattle WA 2000.

"Introduction to the Arts of Islam" lecture at Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA 2000.

"Arabic Calligraphy" lecture at Arab Festival in Seattle Center, Seattle, WA 1999.

"Calligraphy: Sacred art of Islam" University Presbyterian Church, Seattle, WA 1998.

"Geometry in Architecture" and "Calligraphy in Architecture": two lectures on Islamic architecture in the course World Architecture. College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (1998, 99, 00).

"Preservation Resources on the Internet" Historic Preservation Week, Everett, WA (1998).

"Muqarnas: Geometries of Space and Light" University of Washington, Seattle, WA (1998).

"Arabic Calligraphy" University of Washington, World Languages Day; March 1998.

"Arabic Calligraphy" Museum of History and Industry, Family Fest; Seattle, WA, Dec. 1997.

"Introduction to Middle East culture" Jackson High School; Mill Creek, WA, 1996.

"Desktop publishing for architects" guest lecturer, Computer Workshop on Digital Media, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (1995).

"Calligraphy in Modern Arab Art" Arab Center of Washington; March, 1994.

"The Poetry of Arabic Calligraphy" Arab Awareness week; University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC; Feb. 1993.

"The Art of Arabic Calligraphy" Seattle Art Museum Resource Room, display boards; Seattle, March 1993.

"Introduction to Islamic Art" University of Washington; Seattle, Nov. 1992.

"Calligraphy and Islamic Architecture" University of Washington; Seattle, 1992, and 1996.
Middle Eastern Calligraphy: workshop for children ages 10-Teens. Pacific Arts Center; Seattle, WA, 1992.

"Calligraphic Design in Islamic Art" Seattle Art Museum; April 1992.

"Calligraphy in the Islamic Architecture of Central Asia, the Case of Square Kufi" Workshop for Art Professionals and Educators, Dragons, Heroes, & Lovers Exhibition; School of Art, University of Washington; Seattle, Aug. 1991.

"Paintings of Arabic Calligraphy" Arab Cultural Week; University of Washington; May, 1991.

"Translating the Corporate Image: Cultural and Marketing Considerations" Conference on Politics, Business, and Society in the Middle East; Bellevue, WA, Oct. 1990.

REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS

Biography appeared in Barons Who’s Who in Interior Design; Who’s Who in the West; Who's Who in the World; and others. Artwork appeared in Alhayat Newspaper, Aljadid magazine, California Quarterly, Computer Artist, Cune Online magazine, Iqra Magazine, Islamic Horizons, Middle East Studies Association Bulletin, Multilingual Computing, Visual Impressions, the Weekly and others.

Reviews of architectural and interior design projects appeared in Alaska Airlines Magazine, Artline, Eastside Guide, The Herald, A Gourmet's Notebook, KIRO TV 7, Mobil Travel Guide, Northwest Gourmet, Puget Sound Business Journal, Seattle Best Places, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Seattle Times, Travel & Leisure, The Weekly and others.

Steven Heller writes in the Atlantic: “Designing the Font for the Tallest Building in the World” about my font Shilia.
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/09/designing-the-font-for-the-tallest-building-in-the-world/262327/

Calligraphic art featured in the Belgian Flanders art magazine Vlaanderen kunsttijdschrift, special issue Project Brody Neuenschwander, June 2011.

“Taking Root in America: The Art of Mamoun Sakkal” and “Taking Root in America: The Art of Combining Freedom and Tradition” TV programs produced by Marilyn Mayers for Channel 28 Television and aired in September 2008.

Sakkal Greetings featured in “Express Yourself with Designer Cards” by Sumayyah Meehan, Our Rising Star, Vol. 12, Issue 5, November/December 2006, Issaquah, Wa, pp. 14, 15.

Sakkal.com featured in “Best of the Web” by Frances Spiegel, Letter Art Review, Vol. 21, No. 1, Greensboro, NC, pp. 44-49.

Four logotypes with Arabic calligraphy selected among the best designed in 2006 and featured in the book “Logolounge 3” by Catharine Fishel and Bill Gardner, Rockport Publishers, Massachusetts, 2006, pp. 98, 177.

“Modren Arabic Typography: Challenges and Opportunities,” translated to Arabic by Hasan Abu Afash and published in HibaStudio.com web site.

Brief biography, typeface design, and discussion of calligraphic artwork appeared in the chapter “From Traditional Styles to Graphic Design and Calligraphic Art,” Islamic Calligraphy by Sheila S. Blair, Edinburgh University Press, 2006, pp. 609-611.

Sakkal Design profile featured in Focus on Design section and ranked in the Top 100 Graphic Design Firms in the Northwest, Media Inc. issue 2, 2006, Seattle, WA, p. 48 and 71.

“Interview with Architect-Artist Mamoun Sakkal” by Khladoun Fansa, Al-Adiyyat, Fall/Winter 2005, Aleppo, Syria, pp. 116-124 (in Arabic).

“Arabic fonts are us,” by Eric Fetters, Herald Newspaper, Everett, WA, Thursday June 23, 2005, pp. A8-A9.

“The Square Kufi-its roots and exponents,” by Marion Muller in U&lc: influencing design & typography, edited by John, D. Berry. Mark Batty Publisher, NJ, 2005, pp. 78-79.

“Modren Arabic Typography: Challenges and Opportunities,” interview by Stuart Tayler, Graphic Design Program, Bournemouth Arts Institute, London, March 2005. Also published at http://www.sakkal.com/articles/Modern_Arabic_Typography.html

Artwork appeared in “Historical Atlas of Islam,” Malise Ruthven and Azim Nanji, editors, Cambridge, MA, 2004, p. 194.

“The Art of Arabic Calligraphy: The Language and the Script” article published in issue 1 of “Iqra Islamic Newspaper,” New Orleans, LA, 2004.

Typographic work featured in “Typography 25: The Annual of the Type Directors Club,” Harper Design International, New York, 2004. Microsft Uighur typeface is featured on page 296.       

“Sakkal Design Wins Type Design Award,” Media Inc., Seattle, WA.  Issue 1, 2004, p. 138.

Type design mentioned in Jan Middendorp’s “Dutch Type,” Uitgeverij 010 Publishers, 2004, p. 207.

Biography included in “Diversity in Harmony: A National Exhibit by Artists of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage,” exhibition catalog. Alfred Berkowitz Gallery, University of Michigan-Dearborn, 2003.

Typographic work featured in “Typography 24: The Annual of the Type Directors Club,” Harper Design International, New York, 2003. Arabic Typesetting typeface is featured on pages 290-91 with a statement by competition judge Dr. Fiona F. G. Ross. Sakkal Seta typeface is featured on page 298.  

Article “The Art of Arabic Calligraphy” by Mamoun Sakkal is quoted verbatim in Harmonization of ICT Standards Related to Arabic Language Use in Information Society Applications, published by Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations, New York, 2003, pp. 4-9.

“Sakkal Design Takes Home Typography Awards,” Media Inc., Seattle, Wa.  Issue 2, 2003, p. 108.

Profile included in “Arab Americans in the Northwest” published by the Arab Center of Washington, Summer 2003.

Custom Square Kufic calligraphy commissioned for Stephen Worlfam’s book “A New Kind of Science,” New Port, 2002, p. 874 and back cover art.

Bigraphy and artwork included in “Al-mu’jam al-awwal lil-khattatin al-mu’asireen (First Encyclopaidea of Contemporary Calligraphers),” Kuwait, 2001.

Extensively quoted and artwork featured and analyzed in Khaled Alnajdi’s Ph.D. dissertation titled “Reforming Arabic Calligraphy: For Computer Art and Design in Kuwaiti Art Education,” The Pennsylvania State University, 2001.

Quoted in Fayeq S. Oweis’s Ph.D. dissertation titled “The Elements of Unity in Islamic Art as Examined Through the Work of Jamal Badran,” Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, OH, 2001, p. 139.

 “Turning a Centuries-Old Art Into A Business: Sakkal Design Finds Calligraphy Practice Lucrative in Helping American Firms Market to Community” by Anayat Durrani. Arab-American Business cover story, V. 2, No 2, December 2001, pp 17-19.

"Carrying on the intricate art of Arabic calligraphy" by Anayat Durrani, www.arabia.com, August 29, 2001. http://www.arabia.com/life/article/english/0,1690,66529,00.html

Calligraphic artwork included with the textbook “Art: A Personal Journey,” a middle school art program authored by Marilyn Stewart and Eldon Katter, and published by Davis Publications in Worcester, Massachusetts, 2001.

Artwork featured in “Islamic Art and Architecture” published by Koneman Publishers in Cologne, Germany, 2001.

Typography work featured in “Arabic Typography” by Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFares, published by Saqi Books in London, 2001.
“Calligraphy Via Computer: Artist Mamoun Sakkal Adapts Tradition to Electronic Age” Aljadid, Winter 1999, p 29.

"Al Khatt al Arabi Alal Internet" (Arabic Calligraphy on the Internet) by Nameer Asad, Al-Jaddeda Magazine, London, issue 605 (1998). Review of Internet web site.
Calligraphy exhibition featured on evening news of Austin's local TV station. 1997.

"Inscription as Art in the World of Islam-Unity in Diversity" Exhibition catalog by Dr. Habibeh Rahim, Hofstra Museum, Hofstra University, NY (1997). Biography and review of artwork.

"Script of the Holy Quran" interview with local TV program Focus on Islam, Seattle 1997.

"Islamic Calligraphy: A Living Tradition" Anbaa al Arab newspaper, Los Angeles, CA. Nov. 10, 1997.

Aljadid Magazine, Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 1997. Biography appeared in connection with artwork for cover of magazine.

Featured Guest Interview, Off Line, the nationally distributed cable arts program, NY 1996.

Arts and the Islamic World, Autumn 1996. Artwork featured in exhibition review.

"Gallery" Computer Artist, Nashua, New Hampshire, April/May, 1995.

Interview about art show with On Sight, ISNA convention news magazine, Chicago, 1994.
"IslamiClip Calligraphic Designs" Periodica Islamica. Vol. 4, No.3 (1994). Review of calligraphic designs clip art collection.

"Tibaat al Khutut al Arabiyya" (Printing of Arabic calligraphy and ornaments on personal computers) by Mamoun Sakkal, Al Hayat newspaper, issue 11158, Sept. 1993.

"Khutut Arabiyya wa Zakharef" (Mamoun Sakkal presents a new product for personal computers: Arabic calligraphy and ornaments) by Dr. Ahmad Ubaydli, Al Hayat newspaper, issue 11074, June 9, 1993.

"Sharikat al Sakkal tusdiru majmuatan jadidatan lifunoon al khatt al Arabi" (Sakkal Design produces a new collection of Arabic calligraphic designs) Beirut Times, Los Angeles, CA, 18 March 1993.

"Gallery" Aldus Magazine, March/April, 1990.

"Innovative Arabic Typefaces" Mac Magazine, Beirut, Jan. 1990.

"A Look at Portfolio" The Quarterly, School of Architecture Journal, UW, Spring 1981.

"Mamoun Sakkal, waqfatun naqdiyya bainal qiyam al sa'ida wal tarh al jadeed" (Mamoun Sakkal and a critical pause between prevailing values and new propositions) by Omar Altunji, Al Thawrah newspaper, Damascus, issue 3451 (1974).

"Ma'rad Mamoun Sakkal wal bahraja al fanniyya" (Mamoun Sakkal Exhibition an Artistic Spectacle) by Khaled Naqshbandi, Al Jamaheer newspaper, Aleppo, issue 2726 (1974).

"Mamoun Sakkal wal asalah fil fann" (Mamoun Sakkal and Authenticity in Art) by Salah Deen Muhammad, Al Jamaheer newspaper, Aleppo, issue 2718 (1974).

"Ma'rad al Mamoun: anamelun faniyyatun khallaqah" (Al Mamoun Exhibition: Creative fingertips on a distinguished student level) by Asad al Mudarres, Al Jamaheer newspaper, issue 668 (1967).

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Updated 01/04/2013