Kareemgraphy

Biography

Abdul Kareem, known as Kareemgraphy, is a visionary calligraffiti artist and designer whose creative fusion of calligraphy and graffiti art produces masterpieces that captivate audiences worldwide. Renowned as the graffiti artist for prestigious events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Dubai World Cup 2024, as well as through collaborations with global brands, his innovative approach to artistry has garnered widespread acclaim. Rooted in his early exploration of Arabic calligraphy in Medina, Kareemgraphy’s journey blends traditional mastery with over a decade of experience at Leo Burnett, resulting in captivating works where ancient script converges harmoniously with contemporary aesthetics. Passionate about promoting the dual heritage of calligraphy and graffiti, Kareemgraphy’s impact extends globally, earning recognition from esteemed media outlets and leading to the establishment of Kagrart, a center dedicated to nurturing artistic talent in Calicut, India. From leading workshops across diverse cities to showcasing his art at prestigious events like the Dubai World Cup Horse Race 2024 and international festivals, Kareemgraphy continues to inspire audiences with his live calligraphy performances, enriching cultural experiences with every stroke of his brush.

The Art

Kareemgraphy’s work sits where two traditions meet: the discipline of Arabic calligraphy and the energy of graffiti. He calls the result calligraffiti. The script he first studied in Medina is given the freedom and movement of street art, so that ancient letterforms read as something immediate and contemporary.

His practice combines that classical grounding with more than a decade of experience at Leo Burnett, balancing the rhythm of the script with a bold, graphic sensibility. Much of his work is created live, in front of an audience, at occasions such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Dubai World Cup 2024, where the brushwork itself becomes part of the performance.

Through Kagrart, the centre he founded in Calicut, India, and workshops in cities around the world, he continues to carry both heritages forward.