Abstract:
Research on Arabic calligraphy during the 20th century has mainly focused on prominent
calligraphers who have mastered the “art” of calligraphy. However, this focus overlooks
the functions of calligraphy in the second half of the century that go beyond the artistic.
Indeed, calligraphers played an indispensable role in the emerging new mass media.
This thesis studies the evolving role of calligraphy during this transitional period through
the works of Nasser Majed (1943-2015). Majed was a prolific calligrapher who worked
in various mediums and fields, creating calligraphy for newspapers, magazines,
advertisements, television broadcasts, paintings, book covers, atlases, fonts, and a
Qur’an. As such, his work was at the heart of a capitalist and consumer-driven economy,
in which calligraphers produced in commercial calligraphy daily. Majed’s experience and
decades-long career provide unique insights into the evolution of calligraphic practices
and the adaptation of calligraphy, employing new technologies to meet the demands of
the second half of the 20th century. The research methodology includes a study of Majed’s formation, including his
education, early career, and calligraphic tools. It also includes an overview of the status
of Arabic calligraphy at the period of his artistic production, along with the social,
political, and economic context during the second half of the 20th century. This research
then examines Majed’s work and classifies it between “high-end” calligraphy (rooted in
the traditional) and commercial calligraphy that was highly accessible, popular, and
mass-produced. This helps us understand his contribution and how his calligraphy
adapted to these media. Arguably, his commercial work was more impactful than his
high-end work, which serves as a testament to the role of calligraphy during his time.
