CALLIGRAPHY, the most important element in Islamic art, has always been considered as the noblest form of art due to its association with the Quran.

This preoccupation with beautiful writing is extended to all art — including secular manuscripts, inscriptions on palaces, and those applied to metalwork, pottery, stone, glass, wood and textiles.

The contributions of Iranians to the development of Islamic calligraphy have been prominent. The earliest influence of Pahlavi script (the script of Avesta) can be traced to the Kufic structure, the first known Islamic script. At a latter stage, the famous six styles of cursive writing — Naskh, Thulth, Muhaqqaq, Rayhan, Tawqi and Riqa — were invented by Ibn Muqlah, an Iranian minister in the court of the Abbasid caliphs.

However, the most outstanding Iranian contribution to this art is the Nasta’liq style. Then there are Aroos al-khutoot (the bride of all scripts), named after its soft structure and graceful movements, and the Shikasteh, a style with free movements that display the selflessness of a sufi in a spiritual dance.

Calligraphy painting, initiated in Iran in the mid-20th century, became popular in time. The new style opened a new chapter in the art of the Muslim world.

In conjunction with Ramadan, NN Gallery, in collaboration with Art & Identity Sdn Bhd, will be showcasing calligraphic artworks from Iran by renowned Iranian artists. The exhibition features traditional and modern artwork.

Aptly titled "Dance of the Divine Words", the exhibition showcases the calligraphic works of Ali Shirazi, Sedaghat Jabbari and Amir H. Zekrgoo. The colourful calligraphic works serve to remind us that beauty is present everywhere, including the written word.

The exhibition ends on Nov 20. NN Gallery is located at NN Gallery, 53A & 56 Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Viewing hours: 9am-6pm (Mondays-Saturdays). Free admission. Call 03-4270-6588.