The selected calligraphy works of Amir Jalilvand, titled “From the Far Horizons / ز آفاق دور,” were inaugurated today, Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) in Tehran. The exhibition presents calligraphy through a distinctive perspective, bringing the art form into dialogue with image, poetry, music and the artist’s broader creative experiences.
Jalilvand described From the Far Horizons as a mixed-media exhibition centered on calligraphy, through which he has sought to offer a different perspective on the art form. He noted that holding the exhibition at the ECO Cultural Institute is of particular importance to him, adding that the significance of ECO encouraged him to present the collection in a distinctive manner suited to the cultural setting of the Institute.
“I have never held an exhibition of this kind or in this format. This exhibition is completely different for me because the name of ECO is valuable to me, and I feel a sense of responsibility. I have tried, as much as possible, to present it in the best way and in a different manner,” he said.
Calligraphy in Dialogue with Image and the Urban Space
Jalilvand, whose academic background is in photography and cinema and who has also worked in photography, poetry and calligraphy, regards this exhibition as part of his artistic identity, particularly his “calligraphic identity.” Although he is known by his friends and audiences as a calligrapher, he says he does not usually introduce himself primarily in those terms.
According to the artist, From the Far Horizons represents a part of his calligraphic identity that may not be repeated in the future due to time constraints. He therefore describes the collection as a “remnant of my calligraphic identity” and says that the exhibition may possibly be his last calligraphy exhibition in Iran.
One of the distinctive aspects of the collection stems from Jalilvand’s experience of creating artworks for the urban environment. He has created 12 artistic panels for stations along Lines 3, 6 and 7 of the Tehran Metro. The works employ techniques including printing and engraving on tile, traditional tilework inspired by the style of Isfahan mosques, and ceramic work.
At From the Far Horizons, two of these works are presented alongside photographs showing them at their locations in the Metro, allowing visitors to encounter the works both as independent artworks and within the context of everyday urban life. The process behind the creation of this body of work is also documented in his book, “In the Crowded City.”
A Title Drawn from Poetry
For Jalilvand, the selection of the exhibition title is itself part of the creative process. Having been interested in poster design and naming since childhood, he says that when choosing titles for his works and programmes, he first turns to single-line verses from his own poetry. If he does not find a suitable title among his own verses, he then looks to the poetry of other poets.
The title From the Far Horizons was ultimately selected from approximately 50 proposed titles. In choosing it, Jalilvand considered not only its conceptual relationship with calligraphy, but also its English translation, Finglish form and graphic potential—qualities that, in his view, allow the words to be used visually in the design of the poster and the development of the exhibition’s visual identity.
An Exhibition Narrated Through Space
In From the Far Horizons, the exhibition space itself forms part of the artistic narrative. The works have been arranged alongside elements associated with the world of calligraphy and art, including calligraphic tools and materials, flowers and musical instruments, creating a distinctive and poetic atmosphere.
These elements extend the exhibition beyond a conventional space for displaying artworks and invite visitors to experience the works in a more multidimensional setting—one in which calligraphy appears alongside references to music, nature and the tools of artistic creation.
Calligraphy as a Shared Cultural Heritage of the Region
The exhibition at the ECO Cultural Institute has also provided an opportunity to present Jalilvand’s perspective on the place of calligraphy across the ECO region.
Referring to his travels and familiarity with the cultures of countries including Pakistan, Türkiye and Azerbaijan, he emphasized the interest in and appreciation for calligraphy, particularly Nastaliq, in these countries, and described calligraphy as one of the shared cultural fields connecting the countries of the region.
According to Jalilvand, there is particular interest in Persian Nastaliq in Türkiye, while in Pakistan and Afghanistan, calligraphy holds an important position due to their cultural and historical connections. He also referred to the continued presence and significance of calligraphy in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
From this perspective, calligraphy can serve as an important means of cultural connection among the ECO countries—an art that, while rooted in shared cultural heritage, has developed distinctive forms and traditions in each country.
The exhibition “From the Far Horizons / ز آفاق دور” will be open to visitors from 11 to 15 October 2026, daily from 9:00 to 16:30, at the ECO Cultural Institute, Tehran.