The Art of Islamic Illumination with Behnaz Karjoo

About the artist: Inspired by her early memories of Iranian mosque architecture, illumination, and calligraphy, Behnaz Karjoo pursued training in the classical Islamic arts. Under the mentorship of Mujgan Baskoylu, a distinguished master in Turkish illumination, miniature painting, and paper cutting, Behnaz began her study of illumination (tazhib) in 2011. Her dedication led her works to be exhibited worldwide, and in 2016, she earned her ijazet, a certificate of mastery in illumination. Expanding her artistic repertoire, Behnaz pursued the study of miniature painting in 2019, followed by an exploration of square kufic calligraphy in 2021.

These continuous pursuits exemplify her commitment to enriching her knowledge and skill set within the realm of Islamic arts. Behnaz is an active participant in the New York Islamic Arts collective, founded by Mrs. Baskoylu, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting classical Islamic arts in the United States. In her artistic pursuits, Behnaz holds the belief that while classical arts, including illumination, have a timeless foundation, their potential for evolution and growth is boundless. She continually strives to present these art forms in innovative ways, embracing experimentation with diverse materials, colors, compositions, and designs. More about the artist here.

About the venue: Historic Santa Fe Foundation

HSFF’s mission is to preserve, protect and promote the historic properties and diverse cultural heritage of the Santa Fe area, and to educate the public about Santa Fe's history and the importance of preservation.

Current exhibitions: Earth, Form & Memory: A Dialogue Across Cultures

The Historic Santa Fe Foundation (HSFF) is proud to announce a new exhibition, Earth, Form, and Memory, which traces the journey of earthen architecture across continents and centuries. On view at The Gallery at El Zaguán, the show creates a unique dialogue between historical formwork and contemporary interpretations.

Parking: Parking is available on Canyon Road, Camino Escondido, and Delgado Street. There is also a paid parking lot across from El Farol on Canyon Road.

**Check-In & Gathering Location:**

Please check in at the El Zaguán gift shop, Suite 2, at . Check-in will start at 1:45 PM. We will have a list of participants, so there is no need to print your ticket. You are, of course, welcome to come early to enjoy the exhibition, shop, history room, and garden.

Host or Publisher Reed Society for the Sacred Arts