In My Language – Workshop in Arabic, English and Icelandic

Saturday November 25th from 1-3 pm, Hafnarborg invites Arabic-, English- and Icelandic-speaking families and individuals to participate in a workshop exploring the art of Arabic calligraphy led by Lebanese artist Yara Zein.

The workshop offers a chance for participants to explore the beauty of Arabic calligraphy and learn the basics of the Arabic alphabet in a fun and interactive environment. Participants will be provided with all materials needed, including stencils, paper and markers, and will have the opportunity to create their own unique pieces of calligraphy art.

Yara Zein (b. 1995) is an Iceland based Lebanese artist with a background in architecture, design and art. Zein holds a BA in visual arts and architecture from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux Arts in Beirut and an MFA in fine arts from Nottingham Trent University, England. Yara’s work is deeply rooted in her background and experiences growing up in post-civil war Lebanon. Through her use of video and sound, Yara explores the notion of collective amnesia and pleasure in the context of a complex and problematic socio-political environment and highlights extreme contradictions.

In My Language is an event programme focused on making Hafnarborg more accessible to people of different backgrounds by welcoming guests to the museum in various languages. The event is a collaboration between Hafnarborg and the aid organization Get Together (Geta – hjálparsamtök) that provides support for refugees and applicants for international protection. The programme is supported by the Museum Fund.

The workshop is open to individuals of all ages and skill levels, requiring no prior knowledge of Arabic calligraphy, Arabic language, or art. The workshop will take place on the ground floor of the museum and children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. As always, participation in workshops and entrance to the museum’s exhibitions is free of charge.