Arabic calligraphy as an artform boasts a rich history, its intricate forms adorning mosques, manuscripts and more for centuries. But in the ever-evolving art scene, a new generation of Arab artists are pushing the boundaries of the written word, drawing inspiration from a surprising source: Lettrism.
Lettrism, a radical movement born in the ashes of World War II, emerged in Paris during the mid-20th century. Founded by Romanian immigrant Isidore Isou, Lettrism challenged the very notion of language. Dissatisfied with what he saw as the stagnation of Surrealism and the corruption of language by propaganda, Isou believed letters and sounds held untapped potential, going beyond the conveying of their meaning.
The Lettrists experimented with letters, words, and symbols, dismantling them and reassembling them into new forms of art, poetry, and even film. They explored the visual and sonic properties of language, creating aural poems using nonsensical syllables and crafting abstract paintings where letters became dynamic shapes.
This resonated deeply with Arab artists seeking fresh modes of expression beyond the confines of calligraphy’s established forms. Lettrism offered a way to break free from traditional interpretations of the Arabic script and explore its visual and aural potential in entirely new ways.
Re-Writing the Script: One such artist is Etel Adnan, a Lebanese-American poet and painter. Her canvases explode with vibrant colours, punctuated by fragmented Arabic script. The letters dance and morph, losing their literal meaning and becoming pure form. Similarly, Iraqi pioneer Shakir Hassan al Said utilizes a similar approach, weaving together Arabic characters in abstract works that echo the architectural motifs of his homeland.
Hob al-Watan min al Iman (Loving the Homeland is Part of Faith), 1982,
Mixed Media on Board
A Rebellion of Form: For some artists, Lettrism became a tool for social commentary. Mohamed Melehi (Instagram), a Moroccan master, defied the rigid geometric patterns of traditional calligraphy. His abstract compositions are filled with dynamic lines and fragmented letters, reflecting the political turmoil of his time.
A Bridge Between East and West: The beauty of Lettrism in the Arab world lies in its ability to bridge traditions. Farhad Moshiri, an Iranian artist, creates mesmerizing works that appear to be calligraphy at first glance. But on closer inspection, the forms are a fusion of Eastern aesthetics with Western avant-garde ideals.
A Legacy of Innovation: The influence of Lettrism continues to inspire contemporary artists. Hanieh Delecroix (Instagram), an Iranian-French artist, utilizes digital tools to manipulate Arabic script, transforming them into hypnotic structures.
From the Middle East to the studios of Europe, Arab artists are reclaiming the power of the letter. Lettrism, once a European movement, has found fertile ground in the Arab world, resulting in a new visual language that transcends borders and pushes the boundaries of artistic expression.
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