At Buro247 Middle East, we are committed to showcasing and celebrating the extraordinary talent in the Arab world. With our column, #BuroSpotlights, we bring you stories of pioneering artists, innovative designers, tech trailblazers, cinematic visionaries, sports stars, and more.
This week, #BuroSpotlights Jordanian Multidisciplinary Artist Hussein Alazaat.
Hussein Alazaat is reshaping how Arab culture meets contemporary design, and his influence is impossible to miss.Based in Amman, Jordan, this multidisciplinary designer and Arabic calligraphy artist is the creative force behind Alazaat Studio.
Alazaat’s passion for Arabic calligraphy and cultural identity started young and has driven a career committed to elevating Arab visual heritage. He digs deep into research and authenticity, ensuring every curve and line in his work honors the richness of Arab culture while pushing it forward. This mindset has landed him on high-profile projects likeredesigning Jordan’s banknotes and crafting Arabic visual identities for global events, including the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
But Hussein’s impact goes beyond the studio. In 2012, he co-founded Wajha, a bold initiative that turns ordinary storefronts across Arab cities into vibrant canvases with custom typography and illustrations. This project sparked a wave of pride and appreciation for good design in everyday urban spaces. Then there’s ELHARF, a knowledge-driven platform he founded to uplift Arabic typography and design heritage through workshops, exhibitions, and independent book publishing.
ELHARF House in Amman stands as a hub where art and education come together to preserve and celebrate the visual traditions of the Arab world.
Alazaat’s work also spans large-scale public art, cultural institutions, and international design forums. His Arabic calligraphy installations have graced prestigious venues from Jordan’s Darat Al Funun to exhibitions across the Gulf. His expertise is sought after globally, with lectures and workshops at top universities and conferences adding to his role as a thought leader in the field.
At the core, Hussein Alazaat is connecting the dots between history and the future of Arab design. He’s rewriting the visual language of the Arab world with intelligence, care, and bold creativity. For anyone interested in how culture and design collide, Alazaat’s work is essential viewing.
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