Another Exhibition on the Periphery of the Shiraz Festival of Arts
On Reza Mafi’s pleasing, sweet, and fluid calligraphy
On the Shiraz Festival of Arts occasion, the Seyhoun Art Gallery and the Society of Iranian Calligraphists arranged an exhibition of the captivating calligraphy of Reza Mafi. Born in 1943 in Mashhad, he showed an interest in calligraphy after completing his studies. He was trained by Master Etezadi in Mashhad and then by Master Mirkhani in Tehran. He graduated with high scores from the freelance calligraphy courses held under the supervision of the Faculty of Fine Art at Tehran University and now works as a freelance calligrapher in Tehran. His calligraphy exhibition at the Seyhoun Art Gallery will run through November 12th.
It is worth mentioning that the exhibition presents two different types of calligraphy: first, his Nastaliq calligraphy, roughly amounting to 30 pieces and including Muraqqa [calligraphic album] and single pieces in various sizes, which showcase exceptional Nastaliq calligraphy. While Mafi has remained true to the traditional techniques and principles of Nastaliq calligraphy, he has added nuances and intricate details to create his personal touch. His style somehow bears resemblance to that of Mirza Gholamreza Esfahani, a great calligraphy master of the century, which suggests Mafi's admiration for him.
The other is a collection of his new works, in which he created new compositions employing Nastaliq, Naskh [one of the early Islamic calligraphy], Thuluth calligraphy, and Tughra. He has executed this old subtle art in the form of painting, using various bright colors like green, blue, turquoise, red, and cream. In this collection, mainly executed in large sizes, Mafi has presented Persian calligraphy in a significant new form and revealed new aspects of beauty through its twists and turns, resulting from his mastery of Persian calligraphy and familiarity with the shapes concealed in Persian script.
