Calligraphy Item Number: 3601/6 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Calligraphic work on paper; done in horizontal orientation. Design consists of "V"-shapes with diamonds in the negative space; done in shades of grey. "V"'s are connected to one another, forming "X"'s; "V"'s alternate between vertical and horizontal orientation. Undecorated border along all sides. Inscriptions written in bottom left corner and across back of paper; manufacturer's mark blind-embossed in bottom right.

Narrative

These works were given as a gift to the donor's mother, Amina Mirza, in Lahore in 2017, by the artist. The artist states: "The rhythm of 6 calligraphic dots depicting the creation of the universe as stated in Holy Quran, forming a squarish shape of Holy Kaaba with additional 2 dots. [The] reasoning behind is that "NUKTA" (the dot) is the foundation of every mystery as stated by Baba Bulleh Shah (Ek Nukte Wich Gal Mukdi Ae)."

Specific Techniques

Qalam's work is done free-hand, on a pencil grid.