Biography
Soraya continually works to push the boundaries of what is expected from this traditional art form.
Soraya Syed is a classically trained calligrapher, artist and filmmaker of growing international renown. She continually works to push the boundaries of what is expected from this traditional art form. She takes the written word off the page into film, dance and VR and has worked with the likes of Google, the British Museum and Royal Shakespeare Company. She is based in London.
In 2005, Soraya was awarded the sought-after icazetname (the authoritative Islamic calligraphy licence) from Istanbul, Turkey. The art of Islamic penmanship is a bridge between the spiritual and material, the visual and the verbal. It is a living tradition that has the capacity for self-renewal enabling Soraya to adopt a contemporary approach while remaining true to her artistic heritage. Her practice is a process of disciplined freedom where she enjoys the constant tension between remaining true to her classical training while exploring further possibilities.
