I've always loved the perfect forms of the letters I saw in the Quran and Islamic art pieces, ever since I was a child, and I wanted to recreate these scripts with my own hand.
Reviving an Ancient Arabic Script: An Interview with Artist Joumana Medlej
A Journey in Eastern Art: An Interview with Yukiko Futamura
I think I've been attracted to Islamic art and exotic things since I was a child. I was fascinated by the decorative patterns of the mosque, Arabic music, and traditional Indian and Middle Eastern costumes. The Taj Mahal in India, the Alhambra Palace in Spain, and various buildings and mosaics of Arab culture that I saw in Morocco and Sicily made a strong impression on me.
A Man of Many Firsts: A Conversation with Master Calligrapher Yushaa Abdullah
Yushaa Abdullah is a pioneer. He is one of the first master calligraphers from Nigeria who brought the art, and support from Istanbul to the whole of the Black African Region. He is a man of many firsts. He is the first person in the African region to receive an Ijazah or diploma in Arabic calligraphy, studying under Turkish grandmaster Hasan Çelebi.
The Art of Perception: A Conversation with Master Artist Majid Alyousef
My objective is to discover new perspectives that the elegance of calligraphic forms, which was developed over many centuries to reach this level- could be presented in a more thoughtful context with a more sharp and bold statement. Talking more technically each letter is developed and crafted in a specific shape or direction that was the thing I like to show in my work.
Bringing Light to Ancient Scripts: Profile of Artist Karim Jabbari
I believe art has a purpose, art is something that serves and empowers people. For my street art murals, I am very selective about the messages I write. When people see my messages I want people to take away something from it, maybe a glimpse of hope, that is worth it for me. Being a street and light artist means I have the opportunity to reach a lot of people. I want people to feel my art.
Preserving Traditional Arts in the West: Profile of Master Calligrapher Dr. Mehmet Refii Kileci
The Story of Necmeddin's Tulip
Ottoman master Necmeddin Okyay was known as hezarfen (he who practices a thousand arts). He was a master calligrapher, hafiz (memorized the Quran), bookbinder, Ebru artist, botanist, master archer and among other skills. In our times, it is difficult enough to master one art, imagine not only learning but mastering that many different arts.
The Soul of Traditional Arts: A Conversation with Master Calligrapher Bahman Panahi
My teachers have taught me that success in calligraphy is absolutely related and connected to their being, soul and character. So, it was a very important lesson for me to work on myself and then my art. Because the art in any domain, if it not the real reflection of the artist, cannot communicate and transfer to the audience’s souls or to other arts.
