Ink and Elegance: A Journey Through Persian Calligraphy and the Kufic Script was a lecture presented in December 2023 at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Lisbon. Hosted in the Auditório Rainha Sonja da Noruega (CUBO), the event brought together students, researchers, and art enthusiasts for an in-depth exploration of the visual and cultural dimensions of calligraphy.
The talk focused on the historical development and aesthetic qualities of Persian calligraphy, with particular attention to the contrast between the fluidity of cursive scripts such as Nastaliq and the structural, geometric nature of the Kufic script. Through visual examples and analysis, the presentation highlighted how these distinct traditions reflect broader cultural, spiritual, and artistic values across time.
By examining the role of calligraphy beyond writing—as a form of artistic expression embedded in architecture, manuscripts, and contemporary practices—the lecture invited the audience to reconsider the relationship between text and image. Special emphasis was placed on the adaptability of calligraphic forms and their continuing relevance in modern artistic contexts.
Positioned within an academic environment, the event created a space for dialogue between disciplines, connecting art, history, and design. It also contributed to a wider understanding of Persian cultural heritage within an international context, fostering cross-cultural appreciation through the language of visual art.
Links:
“Ink and Elegance: A Journey Through the Persian Calligraphy and the Kufic Script” | ULisboa
