Persian calligraphy artwork by Somayeh Gholami

Description: This contemporary Kufic calligraphy painting combines silver leaf and black acrylic ink on a red background. Words and letterforms are constructed in silver leaf, while selected words are written with a traditional qalam and black acrylic ink, creating a dialogue between different materials and forms of writing.

The luminous silver letterforms contrast strongly with the deep red ground, while the black qalam marks introduce another layer of rhythm and texture. The combination of geometric Kufic forms with the expressive quality of handwritten marks creates a composition that moves between traditional calligraphy and contemporary abstraction.

Through the contrast of colour, material, and gesture, the work explores the visual potential of Kufic calligraphy beyond conventional reading, allowing words and letters to function as forms, patterns, and visual structures.