Zaman Calendar

A VISUAL CELEBRATION OF ARAB PROVERBS

Designed 100% in-house, each year we look for a specific theme for our signature Zaman calendar based on a subject that has inspired us. For 2013 our calendar draws inspiration from popular Arab proverbs. A love of eloquent verbal expression has long since been a distinct characteristic of culture across the Middle East; where a common held belief is that the Arabic language is one of the most eloquent, subtle and beautiful of all tongues, whose wealth of expressive power lacks comparison. Like storytelling and poem recitals have long since been popular devices in the verbal expression of this language, so too are Arab proverbs.

Short popular sayings of ancient origin, that serve to heed warnings, inspire or teach; the Arab proverb user garners respect through linguistic skill; where form and delivery of the intended message are as important as the content itself. To generate the artworks for Zaman’s 2013 calendar we selected 12 proverbs that are used daily and inspired us to create charming, illustrative metaphors.