Nasser Majed: A Hidden Narrative of Calligraphic Transformation in the Second Half of the 20th Century

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.