Ancient Arabic calligraphy was known for centuries as a work of beauty and sophistication, but its depiction was tainted by association with ISIS and terrorism, and a Syrian refugee aims to correct that.
Creating an online presence called Levant 2 Australia, Mr Zoabe aims to reclaim the art form by showcasing Arabic calligraphy on popular everyday products such as t-shirts, hoodies and mugs. "You can imagine arriving in a new country, being afraid of the negative stereotypes that you carry with you, coming from the Middle East, and then realising that people are smiling to your face and being kind, being nice to you," he said.Unfortunately, this peaceful feeling did not last long.
Amro Zoabe outsources the initial design to artists in Syria but all other attributes are made in Australia. "I have noticed people looking. I always give them a nice smile and kind words. I've been really proud to have this conversation now that I've learned more about this cultural problem Australia has," Ms O'Hehir said.Ms O'Hehir understood there had been mixed messaging in Australia and she agreed many Australians associated Arabic writing with terrorism.
'Australian values' are a lurid hypocrisy, an invader settler society built on stolen land + genocide, just like fake state Israel... but SYRIANS know Arab + Islamic culture far better than the savages from Nejd + Hejaz (aka the SAUDS + their subjects, another fake state) 😏🇸🇾
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