Hilmi al-Tuni: evoking popular Arab culture

Abstract

Hilmi Al-Tuni is Egyptian and one of the Arab World's most prominent and proficient illustrator and book designer. He has formed with his ubiquitous work the visual sensitivities of generations of Arab children and adults alike. He was socially motivated and believed in bringing art to the average person though design. He strove to develop a true Arab style of illustration, marrying old lettering styles, Islamic and pre-Islamic symbolism, popular culture, and a modernist style of painting. He has worked in editorial design for more than 50 years, illustrated and designed several popular magazines and many book covers for Al-Hilal publishers (Cairo), the visual identity and books for the Arab Institute for Research and Publishing (Beirut), Children's books for Dar al-Fata al-Arabi and Dar al-Shorouk children's books (Beirut and Cairo), and several other major Arab publishers. The breadth and variety of his work is presented and discussed in this highly illustrated monograph, beginning with an intimate interview with the artist/designer.