BART 25A07 - Rethinkingcalligraphy : Tradition, Transmission, Transformation

Inscribed in 2020 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Arabic calligraphy carries a strong symbolic charge. Rooted in a long history and often elevated as an emblem of cultural or religious identity, its patrimonialization raises questions about the definition, transmission, and transformation of artistic heritage. What defines artistic heritage? How should traditions be preserved, reinterpreted, or challenged? Focusing on Arabic calligraphy as a concrete case study, this workshop introduces students to an art field undergoing significant recomposition, marked by strong ideological, religious, and strategic stakes. It invites participants to critically engage with often ambiguous concepts such as tradition, modernity, and cultural identity as they are applied to artistic practices.

Conceived as a space combining artistic practice and critical reflection, the workshop offers both theoretical and hands-on introductions to Arabic calligraphy.

No prerequisite

The relevance of the artistic work produced during the workshop and its articulation with a reflective text

outlining the student’s approach and conceptual choices 60%