The exhibition “Be Bismillah,” showcasing 23 recent works by veteran calligrapher and Naghsh-khat (calligraphic painting) artist Jalil Rasouli, opened on Friday, 25 September 2026, at the Aseman Cultural and Artistic Complex of the Academy of Arts in Tehran.

The collection includes 16 works inspired by Surah al-Fatiha and seven works inspired by Surah al-Tawhid. Through Shekasteh script, elongated letterforms, color, and compositional experimentation, Rasouli explores the visual and spiritual dimensions of the Qur’anic text, seeking to create a direct dialogue between form and meaning.

The opening ceremony began with a Qur’anic recitation by international reciter Mehdi Adeli. Speakers included Majid Shah-Hosseini, President of the Academy of Arts; Masoud Naseri, President of the Aseman Cultural and Artistic Complex; Mohammad-Ali Rajabi, full member of the Academy of Arts; and Jalil Rasouli, associate member of the Academy of Arts.

Naseri noted that, rather than presenting a retrospective of Rasouli’s long career, the exhibition focuses on a selection of his less frequently seen works. He described “Be Bismillah” as the artist’s 42nd solo exhibition, highlighting the distinctive rhythm, structure, and experimental use of Shekasteh script in the collection.

Shah-Hosseini recalled his first encounter with Rasouli’s work at Tehran’s Seyhoun Gallery in 1975 and praised the artist’s humility, spiritual depth, and enduring commitment to Qur’anic themes. Rajabi described calligraphy as “the art closest to truth,” emphasizing that authentic works arise from meaning and can transcend their own era to speak to future generations.

Speaking at the event, Rasouli described calligraphy as a divine gift and a pure art that brings people closer to literature, the Qur’an, and mysticism. He emphasized that his aim has always been to devote his art to cultural and spiritual values, while avoiding imitation and developing a personal artistic language. “A work of art must be able to express itself through direct communication with its audience,” he said.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Rasouli wrote the exhibition title in his own hand before the official opening. The event also marked the artist’s 79th birthday, which falls on 4 Mehr.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until 2 October 2026, daily from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Aseman Cultural and Artistic Complex, No. 47, Shahid Fallahi Street (Zaferanieh), Tehran.