Wissam Shawkat: Calligraformism

The Iraqi artist and calligrapher introduces the latest examples of his signature style, merging the beauty of classical Arabic scripts with modern design principles; Calligraforms transforms Thuluth script lettering into abstract, fluid forms that are removed their textual meaning and presented as stand-alone visual elements. As he puts it, “Each letter has a life and energy of its own. By magnifying their details and removing the constraints of the text, I aim to reveal their hidden beauty.”

“By blending the rich heritage of Arabic calligraphy with influences from modern European abstract movements like Cubism, and Bauhaus, Wissam creates a dialogue between the East and West,” says the gallery. “Calligraformism is more than an art style; it is a philosophy, an artistic movement, that reflects Wissam’s desire to break the boundaries of classical calligraphy …”

To 11 December.