‘Endless Beauty’ Kufic Calligraphy exhibition by artist Sanaz Alborzi is set to open at Urbanist Art Gallery in Dubai on June 6. The acclaimed calligrapher will also be hosting a free workshop in Kufi Calligraphy at the gallery.
At Urbanist Art Gallery in Boxpark center in Jumeirah Dubai, the exquisite show ‘Endless Beauty’ by Iranian artist Sanaz Alborzi is set to open on June 6, 2023. The artist is a renowned calligrapher and painter, combining the two disciplines together in a wide range of beautiful pieces such as ‘My Moon’ (2016, acrylic, copper and gold leaf on canvas) and ‘Peacock’ (2018, acrylic on canvas). Sanaz comes from a Graphic Design background, and is currently enrolled in Istanbul University, Faculty of Islamic Art History as a PhD student. She is a teacher of Kufic script, participated in numerous festivals and gave many workshops including one in Dubai Expo 2020. She has also presided on juries for visual arts, graphic design and illustration.
‘My Moon’ acrylic, copper and gold leaf on canvas (2016) by Sanaz Alborzi 
‘Peacock’ acrylic on canvas (2018) by Sanaz Alborzi
Sanaz’s pieces combine calligraphy with illustration, against carefully composed canvases. In her compositions and colors, she is inspired by French artist Paul Cezanne and Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. Her main influences from Calligraphy masters include Hossein Zenderoudi and Faramarz Pilaram.
Dr Shahab Shahidani, Iranian scholar, describes Sanaz Alborzi’s work eloquently:
“Alborzi’s work makes use of eternal forms as prescribed in the realm of the universe. No script can bind heaven and earth together like Kufic, and due to its mystic and heavenly character, it fits perfectly in the cosmic spaces. In these created forms, the Kufic lines emerge from an unseen world and flow to our own like a stream, a cascade or a fountain of letters, or sometimes reach the earth undaunted like a ray of light from a sun-like circle above,” Dr Shahidani states. “The world is actually nothing more than beautiful lines that must be read. With the aid of Kufic script and correct backgrounds, Alborzi has bestowed a new life to the natural elements.”
Alborzi’s work makes use of eternal forms as prescribed in the realm of the universe. No script can bind heaven and earth together like Kufic.
Dr Shahab Shahidani, Iranian scholar
Indeed, the pieces are reminders of natural forms, yet with an abstraction that allows the artist to manipulate shapes and compositions. The Kufic calligraphy, whether integrated or superimposed on the forms, add the dimension of language and script. The artworks become both calligraphy and paintings simultaneously. Sanaz truly displays her skill and talent in these artworks.
‘Endless Beauty’ Kufic Calligraphy exhibition by artist Sanaz Alborzi at Urbanist Art Gallery will open on June 6, 2023 at 6pm, and will remain on show until June 21. The artist will conduct a free workshop in Kufi Calligraphy on June 6 and 7 (seats are limited, so make sure to RSVP).
Make sure to pass by and see the show in Dubai!
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