Show pays homage to ancient tradition of calligraphy.

ISLAMABAD -- Satrang gallery on Wednesday opened a new solo show of exquisite calligraphy by Hafiz Saeed.

Titled Jehaan-e-Saeed the show is a homage to the ancient and intricate tradition of calligraphy.

According to the organisers, calligraphy or khushkhati was a part of most cultures and languages. It was deeply embedded in Islamic traditions, perhaps because of the emphasis on writing, reading and seeking of knowledge. The Ottoman, Persian and Mughal dynasties celebrated and explored the practice of calligraphy, and held it in high esteem.

Eventually different styles of calligraphy became identifiable. Despite the changing methods and scripts, calligraphers continued to adhere to the strict guidelines, including the geometric proportion to the Arabic letter which was measured by Alif.

Director of Satrang gallery Asma Rashid Khan said Hafiz Saeed Ahmed had a distinct signature style. 'His soulful works describe the concept of devotion. Saeed was originally trained as a miniaturist and worked in the contemporary thuluth style. His work was particularly striking since he created intricate representations of visual patterns.

'His script encapsulates movement, rhythm and vibrations. His art practice is inspired by abstraction within nature, organic structures and the presence of fluidity within scripts,' Ms Khan said while describing the artist as a contemporary and one of Pakistan's preeminent calligraphers whose artworks were on display in some of the most prestigious museums such as the University of British Columbia, through its Museum of Anthropology - 2022 and private collections.

He started off as a Hafiz of the Holy Quran before dedicating a decade to studying calligraphy under the tutelage of Gohar Qalam in Lahore. He used the wisdom of writers, poets, and philosophers from around the world to convey messages of peace.

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