KARACHI Calligraphy has been defined as “the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skilful manner.”

Islamic calligraphy is regarded as the noblest form of art by Muslims because of its link with the Holy Quran. This style of writing pervaded other forms, such as inscriptions on pottery, wood, palaces and mosques, as well as manuscripts.

Patronage by the royals and court officials greatly helped in advancing this art as well as architecture in the heyday of the Muslim empires such as Ottoman, Spanish and Mughal.

Islamic calligraphy in Pakistan, as in other Muslim countries, is extremely popular among the masses. Many known artists — like Sadequain, Gulgee and Shakeel Ismail — have taken interest in this art and have been instrumental in inspiring young artists.

One such budding artist is Asif Ali, whose exhibition of Islamic calligraphy paintings was held on Saturday at the Alliance Francaise. He says his inspiration comes from the meanings of the Quranic verses and his strokes are mastered by God's creations in the universe.

Interested in painting, especially calligraphy, since his childhood, Asif Ali learnt to paint without the help of a tutor. Working in a design studio as a professional artist, he came in contact with Naheed Raza, a known name in the world of art. To further improve his skills, he became Raza's student and developed interest in Islamic calligraphy. Now he focuses totally on calligraphy.

Asif Ali is inspired by Khursheed Alam Gohar, a renowned calligraphist and recipient of the Pride of Performance award for his Islamic calligraphy.

Naheed Raza trained him in the skills of composition, perspective and colour-scheme of presentation. “I have gone through different phases of moods, dabbling in figurative, abstract and landscape, but Islamic calligraphy has been my love since my childhood. Through my work, I want to pass on the message of God to others. I prefer the antique rather than the modern style of calligraphy in my work, and the colours I use can be soft or vibrant according to my mood.”