Sikka 2026: Beyond the Letter: Gold & Calligraphic Expression

Beyond the Letter: Gold & Calligraphic Expression invites participants to explore Arabic calligraphy beyond traditional rules, focusing on the expressive and visual potential of letterforms and materials. In this hands-on workshop, participants will work with ink, brushes, unconventional tools, and traditional gold leaf techniques to experiment with form, texture, balance, movement, and negative space.

Beginning with guided exercises rooted in the essence of Arabic script, participants will be encouraged to develop personal interpretations while embracing abstraction and contemporary expression. The contrast between matte black surfaces, luminous gold, and fluid calligraphic marks creates a rich space for exploration through layering, mark-making, and composition.

Suitable for beginners and creatives alike, the workshop offers a calm and reflective environment where tradition meets modern visual language, emphasizing process, material exploration, and creative freedom.

Outcome:
Each participant will complete one expressive black-and-gold calligraphic artwork on paper to take home.