The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 19, 2024

Towards Another Land

Towards Another Land

2012

calligraphy by Hassan Massoudy

(Iraq, 1944-)
(Iranian, 1207–1273)
Paper: 74.9 x 54.9 cm (29 1/2 x 21 5/8 in.)
Location: not on view

Description

This dynamic calligraphic art by the Iraqi artist Hassan Massoudy integrates three styles of Arabic script. Large Arabic letters with strong sweeping curves washed in opalescent turquoise complement the small text written in his elegant version of angular Kufic script. It reads, "Towards another land—a country where only light reigns," by the Iranian poet Rumi. Silhouetted script in the central area contributes to the vibrant harmony of this stunning work.

Hassan Massoudy grew up in Iraq where he practiced calligraphy but had to emigrate in order to study figure painting. In Paris, however, calligraphy became increasingly prominent in his art, eventually it took over, and has also been incorporated in his performance art.
  • from artist to Sundaram Tagore Gallery, New York, NY
  • Islamic art rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (December 16, 2013-December 15, 2014).
  • {{cite web|title=Towards Another Land|url=false|author=Hassan Massoudy, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi|year=2012|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2013.65