22st NatChat: calligraphy has the potential to attract the people who are not familiar with this art
The 22st NatChat streamed an interview with Elahe Khatami, Master of calligraphy. The session was moderated by Dr. Abdolmahdi Mostakin, head of the culture department of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO.
Elahe Khatami said that calligraphy is a kind of art that attracts the people who are not familiar with our calligraphy.
she stated: “Generally, art has been an integral part of the Iranians’ life and arabesque and miniature forms can be seen in the design of huge domes or on a piece of paper. In the case of calligraphy, the interesting point is that especially in countries where people are not familiar with our calligraphy, the forms of this art attracts their attention. Calligraphy has the potential to use form and pleasing concepts. Calligraphy is a traditional art that has great potentials as an art form.”
She added: “I think women are more effective in raising children than men, because our children spend more time with their mothers before going to school, so if they are influenced by educated mothers, their subconscious mind will grow by good concepts. I truly believe that in today’s society, the cultural and religious roots of the new generations have been weakened, and if we train the children through calligraphy from an early age, we will have a good generation. For example, I always urge my students who are mothers to attend the classes with their children because I believe that when children are in the class and see their mothers’ behaviors, they will pursue these arts in the future. Accordingly, our cultural and artistic authorities should pay more attention to the art of calligraphy and, of course, to women’s activities.”
Khatami referred to the active presence of women in the field of calligraphy and said: “Specifically, in the fourth century, we see the presence of a successful woman in the field of calligraphy, who reached a high level. There have been many great women throughout history, but unfortunately they have faced problems and restrictions”.
In the end, she said: “I ask the women of my country to believe in themselves. I also call on the authorities to pay attention to this art and provide the necessary and appropriate platform for women’s activities.”
