Pablo Picasso’s admiration for Islamic calligraphy left a profound impact on his artistic world. Despite his Spanish roots and the cultural heritage of Andalusia, he discovered Islamic art later in life, but studied it with deep respect.
As İbrahim Kalın notes in his book Under the Celestial Dome, Picasso was fascinated by the concepts of space and abstraction in Islamic calligraphy. He sought in it what he saw lacking in Western art—a deeper understanding of “space.” Kalın recounts Picasso’s words on calligraphy: “I’ve been trying for years to reach the point you’ve achieved with this art. Because in your art, there is a concept of negative space. What a remarkable form of abstraction! Space is part of the aesthetic form. The composition in calligraphy is built on the use of space.”
Another example of this admiration emerges in a conversation between Ara Güler and Picasso. When Güler praised Picasso’s work, Picasso responded by encouraging him to study calligraphy, saying, “In your region, in your country, there is a much greater art: calligraphy. When you return, study this art.” This exchange clearly reflects Picasso’s respect for Turkish art, and especially for the calligraphic style of the Qur’an.
There is a famous saying about the Qur’an: “The Qur’an was revealed in Arabia, recited in Egypt, and written in Turkey.” This saying offers a deep historical perspective on how the art of calligraphy and aesthetic understanding developed during the spread of Islam. The contributions of the Turkish people to calligraphy have been recognized worldwide, and Turkey has been a leader in the evolution of these artistic forms. Picasso’s interest in this art becomes even more meaningful in this context.
The linked article delves into Picasso’s engagement with calligraphy and his profound admiration for Islamic art. His attempt to merge Western art and Islamic calligraphy to create a new form of artistic expression is a fascinating point of interest in the world of art.
A wonderful Sunday read for those who want to learn more about the universal language of art. 📜✨
https://kahfmagazine.com/articles/f/picasso’s-calligraphic-alchemy-merging-masteries