Abdul Kareem (known professionally as Kareemgraphy) is an Indian calligraffiti artist and designer born in Kakkove, Malappuram, based in Doha[1], Qatar. He is known for blending traditional Arabic calligraphy with contemporary graffiti-inspired forms. His works have appeared at major international events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,[2] the AFC Asian Cup 2023,[3] and the Dubai World Cup in 2024.[4]
Kareemgraphy was born in Kakkove, a village in the Malappuram district of Kerala, India. His interest in Arabic calligraphy began at the age of six when his father brought home a calligraphic artwork depicting the Islamic prayer posture formed entirely with Arabic letters.[5] The artwork left a strong impression and shaped his early fascination with the Arabic script.[6]
He studied in local schools and madrasa classes, where he learned Quranic writing and the basics of Arabic lettering.[7] Financial limitations forced him to discontinue formal art education at the age of eighteen, after which he worked as a signboard and hoarding painter to support his family.[5]
Career
Early career
Kareem briefly worked in Saudi Arabia, spending several years in the city of Madinah as a calligrapher. The calligraphy and architectural patterns of the Prophet's Mosque influenced his understanding of proportion and classical design.[3][8]
He later moved to the United Arab Emirates and worked as a graphic designer. In 2011, he relocated to Qatar to join the advertising agency Leo Burnett in Doha and Dubai. His experience in branding helped him merge traditional calligraphy with contemporary visual design.
In 2022, he left his full-time job to pursue calligraphy and calligraffiti full-time.[5]
Major projects and recognition
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Kareemgraphy was selected as one of the artists for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.[2] His contributions included:
Eleven murals across Doha
A desert mural representing the Iran–Wales match
A mural near Lusail Stadium during the Argentina–Netherlands match
The calligraphic title design for the official World Cup song “Ezz Al Arab”
He performed live calligraphy for seventeen days at fan zones, stadiums, and public areas.
Dubai World Cup 2024 – AC Milan & Emirates
In 2024, he created a large-scale installation at the Dubai World Cup horse racing event. The artwork featured a horse composed of 187 AC Milan jerseys arranged on an 8×8 metre display.[9][10] The installation was widely photographed and praised by both AC Milan and Emirates officials.
Amir Sword International Equestrian Festival 2024
At the Amir Sword International Equestrian Festival in 2024, he performed live calligraphy on a Bentley in collaboration with Al Shaqab and Bentley Motors. A video of the performance went viral and gained more than 30 million views.[4]
Themes and influences
Kareemgraphy's influences include traditional Arabic calligraphy, graffiti culture, Sufi aesthetics, Malayalam script, and social issues. His work often focuses on the idea of art as a bridge between communities and generations.[11]
Kareemgraphy lives in Doha with his family. He has credited his parents, teachers, and the communities he has lived in—Kerala, Madinah, Dubai, and Doha—for shaping his artistic journey.[14][12]
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