Egyptian artist Hamed Al-Oweidy (1957 – 2008) was a renowned calligrapher, graphic artist, journalist and political activist. Developing a passion for calligraphy early in life, he graduated from The Arabic Calligraphy Institute, and was later ranked as one of the most prominent calligraphers in Egypt. Exhibiting across the globe from Japan to Rome, his most famous works are illustrations of poetry by notable writers like Amal Donqol and Mahmoud Darwish. Memorials to his work and life were written widely by artists and journalists while exhibitions featured retrospectives of his prolific calligraphy work.