Book – 24 comments
The Conference of the Birds
A Study of Farid Ud-Din Attar's Poem Using Jali Diwani Calligraphy
Based on the twelfth-century Sufi allegorical poem The Conference of the Birds, this book interprets the poems of the classic text through illustrations in Jali Diwani script and creates a system for reading the calligraphy.
Written by the Persian poet and mystic Farid ud-Din Attar, The Conference of the Birds tells the story of the birds of the world in search of their mythological king – the Simorgh. The birds represent different characteristics found in human nature, each making excuses for not embarking on the spiritual journey. In this edition, I have selected thirteen stories from the Penguin Classics translation by Afkham Darbandi and Dick Davis (London, 1984) and illustrated them using a fluid and decorative style of calligraphy called Jali Diwani.
Each chapter begins with a passage from the book, followed by the name of the bird in Jali Diwani. A line from the Arabic version of the poem (with a literal English translation) that represents the essence of each story is then illustrated and broken into its component elements using the system explained on the bookmark. The system is designed to enable readers to understand the meaning, reading direction and flow of the calligraphy, giving greater insight into the intricacies of Arabic script.
The book concludes with a glossary of the Arabic alphabet in Jali Diwani and interpretations of the letters according to Sufi mystical values. This project aims to celebrate Eastern culture in the West, creating a bridge between these two worlds and spreading light upon some beautiful mythologies of the East.
Farah K. Behbehani
24 comments
congratulations Farah
great Farah, all the best, I will wait my copy ;-)
wissam
Thanks Wissam!
I hope to have a book launch event at Art Dubai in March. I will keep you updated with all the details once it is confirmed.
love your work!! Farah
I'd be getting my copy soon insha Allah. let me know how i can get it signed by you.
Thanks Tawhid!
Inshallah, its available online on either amazon.co.uk or amazon.com
I am having a book launch in Kuwait on 4-5 of May. I will be posting E-invites with all the details online soon.
I will be having a book launch in London around the 23-25 May. I will send you the details when I have all the information about the event.
3aSaafeer bala Huduud
I loved having the chance to visit and revisit the exhibit of your work at the Kennedy Center last month, and was fortunate to be able to keep coming back to mingle with your wayward birds in their migrations, including with my daughter who was elated to see your art work (as I was too). I look forward to obtaining at least one, maybe two copies of this evidently gorgeous and transporting book, for myself and for my first year Arabic students in Baltimore, and to share with calligrapher friends. I wish I could be in Kuwait for the launch, or London...not possible, but perhaps [inshallah as ever] will be visiting Kuwait in June, following up on a first chance I had to explore some of the country and get to appreciate the people and their culture last August...ironically enough whilst researching the problems of the stateless there, ie the 'bidoun' (with an international non-governmental group that often conferences on and with migrants, refugees and all persons in mid flight). How ironic also that an up-market art magazine and cross cultural movement, rooted in Dubai, Tehran, and New York, should have the same name as the nameless and stateless. I think your khatt offers inspiration and hope to us all. fa....taHiyaat
Michael Scott
(ibn as-sakkoot)
Ibn as-sakkot
Its such a pleasure to your hear that you enjoyed The Conference of the Birds illustrations at the Kennedy Center. Thank you for your kind words. I am sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you and your daughter, I was actually in Washington for the opening and stayed for about 4 days. Please let me know if you are coming to Kuwait, it would be great to meet up. The book is available on amazon.com if you would like to order it. And I can sign it for you in Kuwait inshallah.
All the best.
kuwait signing...
Thanks for your kind invitation...it looks like I may indeed have a chance to visit Kuwait again maybe in late June. I will definitely let you know when I have more details, and meanwhile i will order the book via amazon. It will be wonderful to meet, and I look forward to it. shukran waajid!
wish I could be at the London launch
Ya Farah !
I have ordered my copy and hopefully you will sign it for me next time we meet.
Inshallah soon.
I am in love with the work and idea behind the book and cannot wait to own a copy.
Great work and achievement! Aleph mabrook.
With friendship and admiration,
Huda
Thank you Huda!
Thanks for your kind words, it means a lot. Inshallah we will meet again soon and I will sign your copy for you.
And thanks for the lovely flower! ;)
xxx Farah
Salaam
Last night after a sama mehfil my murshid shared with me and some other mureeds your wonderful book. MashAllah what beautiful art work, you certainly worked from the heart and it shows clearly.
Merci
Thank you very much, Farah, your words are much appreciated. I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed the book. My best wishes.
Wondering
What you plan on doing next … after fulfilling a dream … an inspiring artist like you, must always be restless … wishing you all the best ... as I wait and wonder.
Wondering
What you plan on doing next … after fulfilling a dream … an inspiring artist like you, must always be restless … wishing you all the best ... as I wait and wonder.
Projects
I have several projects in the works actually. I am currently working an a short film/animation of the Conference of the Birds. I have also started a new project which I am very excited about.....more will follow inshallah. Thanks for your wishes. I will be sure to send you more news in due time.
From farooqi
love your work!! Farah
I'd be getting my copy soon insha Allah. let me know how i can get it signed by you.
Thanks Shafique!
Thank you so much. It would be my pleasure to sign a copy of the book for you. I live in Kuwait, any plans of traveling to the Gulf?
with love and regards from lahore
Thank you my child , I was i teaching in Interiorv Design Department of Ajman University in UAE...now I am in Lahore pakistan, I traveled a lot but not Kuwait, if I will get an invitation I will love to visit. Just let me know abou the year program in Kuwait.
Book Available for Pre-Order on Amazon.com
www.amazon.com/Conference-Birds-Farah-K-Behbehani/dp/0500514623/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233049101&sr=8-1