Emotional Strokes
The Emotional Strokes Project is a collection of abstract paintings resulting from research-based work conducted during the first months of the Covid pandemic. Mahmoud Mostafa used the basic expressive tools of the calligraphy artist (namely ink, paper, and pen) to explore and capture the different psychological and sensory states he passed through during the period of isolation.
The Emotional Strokes Project is an attempt to demonstrate how the strokes made by the calligrapher may be not simply a craft but can convey emotions and ideas in a very powerful and artistic way. The direct connection between the soul, the hand, and the qalam is here thought of as a privileged channel of expression for the inner self of the artist.
Colours, shades, and pen movements spontaneously express the emotional balance or turbulence of the artist at the moment of writing. Some of the artworks are constructed based on a stratification work, the many layers expressing the deepness and complexity of the human soul.
Modern calligraphy
Throughout his artistic journey, Mahmoud Mustafa explores the endless possibilities of Arabic calligraphy to convey emotions through expressive strokes and a colourful palette. Playing with the rules of classical calligraphy, this series of works aims to bring together the sacred practice of calligraphy and contemporary abstract art. The practice of calligraphy, rooted in Arabic culture and history, thus became a universal language.
Classic calligraphy
Arabic calligraphy is for Muslims not only an artistic activity, but also one of their way of worshipping. The different scripts and their rules were developed in close connection with the need to protect and transmit the Holy Quran in the best possible way.
The practice of Arabic calligraphy is fundamentally spiritual and aims to express the faith of the artist. But we also believe that everyone – believer or not – can be moved by traditional calligraphy work, as it reflects the beauty and perfection of the world.
Some of the classical artworks presented below have been rewarded or presented in international exhibitions.
MAHMOUD MOSTAFA 