
Collection Online as of June 1, 2023
Pigments on paper
Paper: 74.9 x 54.9 cm (29 1/2 x 21 5/8 in.)
L. E. Holden Fund 2013.65
not on view
This dynamic calligraphic art by the Iraqi artist Hassan Massoudy integrates three styles of Arabic script. Large Arabic letters with strong sweeping curves washed in opalescent turquoise complement the small text written in his elegant version of angular Kufic script. It reads, "Towards another land—a country where only light reigns," by the Iranian poet Rumi. Silhouetted script in the central area contributes to the vibrant harmony of this stunning work.
Hassan Massoudy grew up in Iraq where he practiced calligraphy but had to emigrate in order to study figure painting. In Paris, however, calligraphy became increasingly prominent in his art, eventually it took over, and has also been incorporated in his performance art.