Durban's first calligraphy exhibition merges cultures through art

In a celebration of artistry and cultural exchange, two Durban-based calligraphers have brought to life the first-ever calligraphy exhibition, titled Calligraphic Synergy.

Running from now until Thursday, June 5, at the Country Bake Gallery in Musgrave, the exhibition showcases a diverse array of calligraphy works both western and Arabic, crafted by seasoned calligraphists and passionate students.

Curated by the renowned calligrapher and artist Ingrid Lotter Smith, alongside multidisciplinary artist and calligrapher Sana-Bella Ebrahim, this collection truly embodies the fluid beauty of handcrafted letters.

Lotter Smith, who has spent nearly four decades honing her skills in calligraphy, has contributed to numerous significant works, including illuminated addresses presented to the late President Nelson Mandela. 

She reflects on her journey: “I started calligraphy as a hobby. I was fascinated by it. I loved the history and the technical skill involved.”

The allure of calligraphy extends beyond mere aesthetics.

"The word calligraphy comes from the Greek. 'Kallos' meaning beautiful and 'graphein' meaning to write," she explains, citing a favourite quote from Alfred Fairbank: “Writing considered as an art".

Lotter Smith says that she has observed a notable resurgence in interest for the craft. 

"There has been a growing interest and demand for calligraphy. I think people are becoming tired of the fonts we get on computers and are returning to the beauty of the hand-made. It's also an amazing hobby that is in reach of most people," said Lotter Smith. 

Meanwhile, Ebrahim's foray into calligraphy began in 1997 when her mother enrolled her in a holiday course.

Her passion blossomed from there as she found joy in crafting her school projects in calligraphy.

During the pandemic, she adapted her skills by hosting workshops that fostered community whilst adhering to safety measures.

As demand for Arabic calligraphy grew in Durban, Ebrahim began offering online classes, expanding her reach to eager pupils.

“There’s something called ‘unplugged,’ where people want to escape their screens, and meditative arts that encourage participants to create artwork while focusing,” she shares.

“I've experienced significant success with children who have ADHD as it helps them concentrate for an extended period.”

The Calligraphic Synergy exhibition conspicuously reflects the blending of cultures and artistic styles.

“We see calligraphy as a beautiful way of bridging the gap between different cultures. That’s why we named it Calligraphic Synergy, it's an east-meets-west blend,” they shared.

Lotter Smith often collaborates with her husband, John Smith, a distinguished South African artist, intertwining her calligraphy with his water-colour paintings to evoke mood and meaning beyond the written word.

“The pieces are not just beautiful writing; they represent a fusion of artistry,” she adds.

As visitors explore the vibrant array of artwork on display, they may find themselves enthralled by the stories each piece narrates.

The exhibition unites experienced calligraphists and aspiring artists, showcasing the intricate beauty of script and the power it holds in connecting people from diverse backgrounds. 

Whether you are an aficionado of the arts or simply looking to discover something new, Calligraphic Synergy offers an experience that transcends mere visuals, weaving together tales of culture, history and creativity.