Learning Iranian Calligraphy with Dr. Farzan Kermani

13 October, 27 October, and 10 November.
SFU Harbour Centre, Room 7000.

Session 1 (Tuesday, 13 October): Presentation: An introduction to the art of calligraphy, the distinction between art and craft, and its significance in Islamic culture.
Workshop: Introduction to calligraphy basics. Open yet purposeful practice using various tools and inks.

Session 2 (Tuesday, 27 October): Presentation: A brief history of Islamic and Iranian calligraphy, focusing on Nastaliq and Shekasteh Nastaliq scripts.
Workshop: Traditional practice using a reed pen and black ink, focusing on recognizing different scripts.

Session 3 (Tuesday, 10 November): Presentation: Modern Islamic calligraphy, Siah Mashq, and Calligraphy-Painting (Naghashikhat).
Workshop: Calligraphy-Painting practice, working with color (colored inks or acrylics) on canvas or cardboard.

Farzan Kermani is a seasoned graphic designer and calligrapher with over four decades of experience. His career spans a diverse portfolio of commercial projects and years of academic experience teaching graphic design, typography, and calligraphy at universities across Iran. Farzan earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Graphic Design from the University of Tehran's Faculty of Fine Arts, followed by a PhD in Design from IDC, IIT Bombay, in 2013. His doctoral thesis compared calligraphy in Iran and India during the Mughal era. He loves the creative process and focuses on delivering work that seamlessly blends beauty with practicality.