Mouneer Al-Shaarani: Against the Grain sheds light on the prolific graphic design practice and unique visual language of the Syrian calligrapher and designer, Mouneer Al-Shaarani (b. 1952).

Born in Salamiya, Syria,Al-Shaarani began his calligraphic apprenticeship at a young age with Syrian master calligrapher Muhammad Badawi Al-Dirani (1894–1967). After 1967, and in parallel with his studies, he practiced calligraphy as sign-painter and created lettering for billboard advertising and other design commissions. He was part of the first graduating class from the Graphic Design program at the Faculty of Fine Arts (Kulliyat al-Funūn) in Damascus University, studying under eminent design pioneer Abdelkader Arnaout (1936–1992), graduating in 1977. 

The book traces the tumultuous life ofMouneer Al-Shaarani: his serial migrations and their effect on his work. It strives to present to the reader a clear vision of Al-Shaarani’s willingness to go against the grain in exploring the scope of the Arabic letter and its potential for continuing renewal, evolution and cultural progress.

Khatt Books, 176pp, 17cm x 24cm, illustrated hardcover, 2023