One of the primary characteristics of Islamic art is the use of text and calligraphy. Literary art was regarded with higher importance than descriptive. This is evident in the people’s choice in displaying inscriptions on top of buildings where they can only be seen by God and birds rather than illustration through pictures. While inscriptions are legible, not all can be understood or deciphered. Calligraphy is also commonly used to decorate an artwork rather than using objects, where sometimes it is the dominant element of the artwork such as the bowl below.
Here is another example of Islamic art which uses kufic inscriptions as decoration and also to convey well-wishes to its user.
The use of calligraphy in art also functions as a talisman which gives the artwork protective powers to ward off evil. It is believed that Qur’an inscriptions, such as the word Allah, as well as images of prophets, religious signs can protect the person who sees it against hardship and danger.
Ring, Timurid period (1370–1507), late 15th–early 16th century
Iran
Gold, cast and chased; nephrite, carved
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Bowl, 10th century
Samarqand (Uzbekistan) or Nishapur (Iran)
Earthenware, red body, white engobe, underglaze-painted
This is an example of Islamic art from the past where calligraphy takes the centre stage in enhancing and decorating the bowl with purity and power.
(By decorating the bowl with simple lines of calligraphy, it impresses me with a classical timeless feel with the contrast of black lines against white.)
Samarqand (Uzbekistan) or Nishapur (Iran)
Earthenware, red body, white engobe, underglaze-painted
This is an example of Islamic art from the past where calligraphy takes the centre stage in enhancing and decorating the bowl with purity and power.
(By decorating the bowl with simple lines of calligraphy, it impresses me with a classical timeless feel with the contrast of black lines against white.)
Mirror, 12th century
Iran
Cast bronze
Here is another example of Islamic art which uses kufic inscriptions as decoration and also to convey well-wishes to its user.
The use of calligraphy in art also functions as a talisman which gives the artwork protective powers to ward off evil. It is believed that Qur’an inscriptions, such as the word Allah, as well as images of prophets, religious signs can protect the person who sees it against hardship and danger.
Ring, Timurid period (1370–1507), late 15th–early 16th century
Iran
Gold, cast and chased; nephrite, carved
At the centre of the ring, the inscription says "Glory to he who does not die." While the inscription around the ring says:
“Call upon Ali whose miracles manifest,
you will find his help in times of misfortune
All anguish and sorrow will dissipate
Through your friendship: OhcAli OhcAli OhcAli”
The significance of the two inscriptions is to call upon the Prophet Solomon to ward off evil as he was known for his ability to communicate with animals and supernatural beings. The ring is further supported by two gold dragon heads which are seen as good omens.
In contemporary art, words or text in the painting are not always meant to be read while it is natural for audience to attempt to do so. They are seen as more towards signs and symbols in the way they are written or presented to signify concepts behind its written meaning. Therefore, words in a painting does not simply communicate its firsthand meaning to the audience, but also the style in which it was written or painted represents a deeper connection from the artist to portray a certain meaning or emotion in the artwork. (Based on my understanding of this concept, it seems similar to graphology, the analysis of handwriting to the person’s psychology.)
Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings contain calligraphic marks which indicate traces of the physical presence of the artist. Words cease to make sense nor carry any verbal meaning.
The use of calligraphy or ancient texts by contemporary artists is also to represent the past as traditional values and using them to challenge the contemporary society, and the standards of culture in upholding these values. Some artists use these symbols to portray the breaking of these values or taboos politically, culturally and religiously in their own society.
Dragon Spirit
2007
Acrylic and aerosol enamel on linen
Peace Keeping Forces, 2006
Acrylic and aerosol enamel on canvas
Kate Beynon’s artworks combine Western and Eastern traditions into comic and pop art with the use of calligraphy and graffiti. The integration of ancient style of calligraphy with graffiti of the popular culture is also known as ‘calligraffiti’. Symbols of Chinese myths and calligraphy represent historical conventions, which are fused with elements of the contemporary pop culture to “manifest the hybrid reality of today's multicultural global citizen.”
Journey of a yellow man no.3: DESIRE, 1993
After studying the various uses of calligraphy in art in ancient and contemporary times, it remains impressive and sensible even today. The use of calligraphy in art has served meaning beyond its written meaning, whether in the past or in contemporary art.
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