
MAC’s INSCRIPTION Exhibition Charts the Rise of Local Calligraphy
A new exhibition titled INSCRIPTION – Weaving Culture Through Calligraphy is now open at the National Art Gallery, offering a fresh and focused look at one of the more quietly flourishing forms of visual art in the Maldives. Organised by the Maldivian Artist Community (MAC), the exhibition is open to the public until 23 May 2025 with free entrance.

The showcase features works by 20 artists, all exploring the diverse potential of calligraphy. According to MAC’s Co-founder and General Secretary, Hussain Ihfal Ahmed – more widely known as Iphpha – the exhibition was born from a growing interest in the medium over the past several years.
“MAC introduced the calligraphy category in 2017, first Unveiling Visions. Since then, there have been few artists participating every year in this category,” Iphpha explained. “But after COVID-19, a lot more artists have started practising calligraphy, both professionally and through self-learning. So we thought of having an exclusive exhibition on calligraphy.”
A wider vision for local art
The exhibition is part of a broader shift at MAC towards more focused curatorial efforts. While group showcases like Unveiling Visions remain a key part of their programming, Iphpha shared that the community plans to roll out more exclusive exhibitions in other categories such as painting, drawing and digital art.
So far, the response from the public has been encouraging. “Many people who have already visited the gallery have told us exclusive exhibitions must go on as like solos,” Iphpha noted.
A glimpse into a growing community
One of the more striking aspects of INSCRIPTION is how it reflects the growing community of calligraphy artists in the Maldives. “This year, 35 artists participated,” Iphpha said. “Of those, 20 were able to submit. This shows there are many calligraphy artists in the community.”
Looking ahead, he hopes INSCRIPTION will return as a biennial event, providing a consistent platform for this artistic form to evolve and reach new audiences.
Creating space for reflection
Beyond showcasing skill and technique, INSCRIPTION invites visitors into a contemplative space. “We hope people visit more than once,” Iphpha said. “Hope we have created a beautiful, inspiring environment for visitors.”
Whether you're familiar with calligraphy or encountering it anew, the exhibition presents a compelling case for its enduring power to communicate, embellish, and connect with something deeper.
INSCRIPTION – Weaving Culture Through Calligraphy
National Art Gallery, Malé
Open until 23 May 2025
Free entrance – all are welcome.