Mohammad Bozorgi’s Dubai exhibition

Not your typical artist, Mohammad Bozorgi’s background is in biomedical engineering and calligraphy. The two aprear to go together like chalk and cheese, but the Iranian-born creative sees it as a new generation of traditional art. Bozgori combines his Islamic faith, love of the written word and scientific background to create captivating pieces.

This unique architectural approach to calligraphy is evident in the mathematical symmetry of characters which he uses in his work. His latest series, Transcendental Strokes, debuts at Ayyam Gallery from 25th May. We spoke to the artist to talk about the lost love of letters.

Describe your art in one sentence.
Mysterious, a new look at calligraphy, deep rooted in tradition.

For someone who doesn’t have a background in engineering, or much knowledge of calligraphy, how would you sum up your work?
Abstract – a harmonic dance of letters and words like a symphony – is how my Engineer side looks at calligraphy. The art of abstract calligraphy invites the viewer to [do some] soul searching. The viewer is encouraged to study the lines to see something new every time they look at the artwork.

What kind of subjects will you be tackling next?
The process of creating these artworks is very unpredictable and I almost never know what direction I am going. I am, however, affected by what goes on around me and in the world. Violence, poverty and environmental changes to our life are some of the things that affect me and in general artists around the world and in the Middle East.I think, see, eat and sleep letters and words, and they come to me like a lightbulb until I sketch them and paint.