These writings are whispers in my mind that do not mean too much, like a meditation. Sometimes they could be poetry, prayers, or just a conversation. I am not trying to convey spirituality with my writings. Speaking only one language creates a barrier between me and the viewer if they do not speak the same language. I am hoping to reach out to a broader audience with my art as a universal message.
- Azra Aghighi Bakhshayeshi
From a young age, Azra Aghighi Bakhshayeshi has been inspired by the grace and elegance of Persian letters, notably through Kufi script. She studied under renowned calligrapher Nasrollah Afjehei and is one of the only professional female calligraphic artists working in Iran today. A descendent of the famous court calligrapher, Mirza Karim Khoshnevish Tabhari, her practice is dedicated to advancing the traditional art form into a conceptual and contemporary context; reflecting in her work its intrinsic beauty and purity of form. Bakhshayeshi’s works are held in various public collections including the British Museum, London; Islamic Museum, Malaysia and Riyadh.