Visual Poetry: Blurring Boundaries with Persian Calligraphy and Abstraction

Persian calligraphy has always been more than just beautiful script—it’s a visual language that carries the weight of centuries, blending culture, spirituality, and artistic expression. Its origins trace back to ancient Persia, where writing evolved into a revered art form. Each stroke of Farsi script isn’t just about conveying meaning; it becomes an embodiment of rhythm, form, and the essence of Persian identity.

In my work, Persian calligraphy is not merely a homage to tradition—it’s the heart of an ongoing dialogue between the past and the present. I’m captivated by the fluidity and motion within styles like Nastaʹliq, Shekasteh, and Naskh. Nastaʹliq feels almost like a visual melody, with its graceful, flowing lines echoing the lyrical beauty of Persian poetry. Shekasteh disrupts that flow with its spontaneity and raw energy, while Naskh anchors the visual narrative with its structured clarity.

But what draws me most to Persian calligraphy is its ability to transcend its literal meaning. In my art, calligraphy isn’t always about legibility. Sometimes, the script loses its linguistic purpose and transforms into pure abstraction—lines, curves, and forms that exist for their visual impact alone. This abstraction breaks away from traditional confines, letting calligraphy breathe in new, unexpected ways. It becomes a bridge between ancient forms and contemporary visual language, where the viewer engages not just with the meaning of words but with the raw, emotive power of form itself.

Persian poetry and language deeply influence my work. The words of Rumi, Hafez, and Saadi aren’t just texts; they are living, breathing philosophies that seep into the fabric of my art. Their wisdom doesn’t just stay on the page—it becomes part of the canvas, intertwined with the brushstrokes and ink. But even when the text is unreadable, the essence of these poets’ philosophies lingers in the composition—the sense of impermanence, the celebration of love and mysticism, and the exploration of the self.

When I approach a piece, it’s not just an act of creating; it’s a meditative process. Each line is a negotiation between chaos and order, tradition and innovation. The interplay of positive and negative space, the tension between light and shadow—these elements create a dynamic rhythm that invites viewers into a contemplative space. It’s not just about what’s visible; it’s about what’s felt in the spaces between the lines, in the moments where form dissolves into emotion.

Through the use of acrylic paint and oil ink, I push the boundaries of how Persian calligraphy interacts with modern abstraction. The fusion of these mediums allows for texture, depth, and contrast that challenge traditional aesthetics. My goal is to create works that are not confined by time or geography—art that speaks to universal human experiences while rooted in the rich heritage of Persian culture.

Persian calligraphy, in its essence, is a living art form. It evolves with every generation, yet its soul remains untouched. By reinterpreting it within a contemporary framework, I aim to honor its origins while exploring new possibilities. Whether through recognizable text or abstracted forms, my work invites viewers to engage with the timeless beauty and complexity of Persian calligraphy—not just as an ancient tradition, but as a powerful, evolving force in contemporary art.