The Source of Light

This unique work of art, a fusion of calligraphy and marbling art, is entirely the artist’s own creation. The symmetrical calligraphy in the artwork that reads as ‘Wallāhu Mutimmu Nụrihī’ in Arabic is a verse from the Holy Qur’an (Surah As-Saf 61:8). It translates as ‘Allah will certainly perfect His light’. The technique used here produces a reverse or mirror image. This writing style is known as müsennâ (specular), and it can also be described as a bifold (müsennâ), duplicate writing (çift yazı), or as ‘reflecting itself’ (mütenâzır). However, this technique has not been applied to the entire text. The name Allah is written only once, but the rest of the verse is written in müsenna style to refer to Allah’s light in both this world and the afterlife. In addition, the calligraphic text was created using the akkase ebru technique, one of many unique ebru styles. This technique is achieved by masking a pre-designed and perfectly cut pattern, miniature, or writing, which is then pasted on the paper surface and marbled in the desired colours.

Materials:

Plant-based dyes on paper

Dimensions:

30 x 30 cm (without a frame)

* This particular artwork is featured in the ‘The Noble: Traditional Turkish Arts Exhibition’. The exhibition can be viewed at the Yunus Emre Institute from 28th November to 21st December.