Persian illumination is a 13th century art form which originated in Persia and incorporates the heavy use of gold along with arabesque and floral elements to represent nature in a divine form. The basis of which lies in balance and symmetry.

In our workshop #LightOfPersia, we will look at how to create a postcard with various elements of this art form. We will go over the basics as well as the duplication technique which we will use to create the final composition.

The workshop will cover:

A brief history of Persian Illumination and basic drawing elements needed to construct a complete design pattern.

Pen pressure control, various basic elements of a pattern like leaves, buds, flowers and spirals.

With these basic elements, participants will be able to construct one Khataei pattern

Materials Required

Regular/ Sketch Paper

Pencil

Eraser

Tracing Sheet

Watercolor Sheet

Gouache paints

Gold poster colour

Duration: 2 hours

About the artist: 

Art was never created in isolation, this is Mariyah’s motto, the artist behind the page Mariyah Farooqui art. Finding beauty in traditional arts, she has created a niche wherein she assimilates various traditional art forms to create contemporary works of art.

She is an avid student and practitioner of Persian Illumination, Kirigami, Sacred geometry and Arabic Calligraphy. She is self taught as well as has had the opportunity to study under various masters across the world.

Her art draws on the spiritual and aesthetic aspects of art. This interconnection, a creative correspondence between humanity and divinity, helps her combine various art forms together to create and express traditional art in a contemporary way that is centered around balance and symmetry and is both unique and relatable.