Persian calligraphy

calligraphy from paper to streets

calligraphy done by Keyvan shovir

Persian calligraphy is similar to Arabic calligraphy. In Arabic calligraphy, most of the writing is about the Quran but in Persian calligraphy writing is about poems and literature, and most importantly it is Shahnameh, the epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi in 1010 CE. There are a profound connection and collaboration between calligraphy and the Persian miniature. There are many curves in Persian culture, in dance, in architecture, in calligraphy, as well as in language and music. There are seven different styles of calligraphy in Persian calligraphy, and the number seven underlies many formal structures in Persian culture as in the West.

Ghalam, ink, and paper are the tools of calligraphy. Mashgh is the term for practicing a word several times on paper. When the calligraphy cannot be read and becomes abstract, the practice is called Siyah Masgh.

Calligraphy has changed over time, from its classical presence on paper, in architecture, pottery and rugs, and relation to the hand and the identity of the maker; now in contemporary society calligraphy is used as logo and abstraction on clothing and advertising.

The abstraction of calligraphy in these cases has decoupled the meaning from its history as it is now only decorative, and endlessly replicable in the digital realm. This overuse of calligraphy also means that it has lost its link to literature, and its place as part of a spiritual practice that anchored an interconnected way of thinking. This chaotic moment has simultaneously liberated artists such as myself to move through all of this history in our use of calligraphy.

check out this link to see more calligraphy works by Keyvan Shovir