Exhibition Overview: “Rhythm of Scripts”
Artist: Zenab Bastawala
Location: The Little Gallery Underground, JMU Music Library
Exhibition Dates: September 18 – November 11
Concept:
Zenab Bastawala, an assistant professor of Graphic Design at JMU, merges the worlds of music and calligraphy in her exhibition, exploring the common theme of rhythm.
Artistic Approach:
Bastawala, a skilled calligrapher, highlights various global scripts, including Tibetan, Devanagari, Arabic, and Gujarati. She emphasizes the cultural context and free-flowing style of these scripts, noting how their forms influence the rhythm of her work. Her practice transformed from rigid structures to more freeform expressions, mirroring how music alters tempo.
Connection with Music:
Although calligraphy may seem an atypical choice for a music gallery, Bastawala relates her art to the flow found in classical music. Music Library Services Manager Karen Snively reinforces this connection, pointing out that printed music can also be viewed as a form of calligraphy.
Collaboration and Preparation:
Bastawala was heavily involved in curating the exhibition, selecting music that would enhance the viewer’s experience. She suggested Hindustani and classical music from Nepal and India, which complemented her artwork during the opening reception.
Reception:
Attendees, such as sophomore William Reyes, found inspiration in the exhibition, reflecting on their own artistic practices. Reyes praised the piece titled “Maktoub,” which integrates both Latin and Arabic scripts.
Artist’s Hope:
Bastawala aims for her work to inspire viewers to explore and appreciate the diversity of scripts worldwide, encouraging them to look beyond language and engage with the visual forms of her art.
For more details, you can visit the official site of The Little Gallery Underground.
