Somayeh Gholami born in Shiraz, Iran on October 10, 1981. She moved to Portugal since she received the PhD scholarship from the University of Coimbra in 2009, for which she obtained a Ph.D. in applied mathematics in 2013. However, her passion for the art, particularly Persian calligraphy, never dwindled. Somayeh has a master’s degree in calligraphy for Naskh and Ketabat, from the Society of Iranian Calligrapher in 2006. 

Somayeh's expertise and dedication to the art of calligraphy have allowed her to develop and express her imagination through her compositions, using form, color, and texture to convey various concepts. She has given talks and workshops and participated in solo and group exhibitions.

The manifestation of each person's personality is based on a combination of both their genes and their life experiences. As the fundamental blueprint of our existence, our genetic makeup shapes our physical and behavioral characteristics, imprinting upon us a unique identity that is wholly our own.

In this exhibition, at the Ismaili Center, Lisbon, Somayeh unleashes the captivating charm of traditional Kufic calligraphy, transmuting mere letters and words into an abstract language to create her world.
The artist aims to reflect the singular essence of different individuals by incorporating an array of letters that possess varied structures. These structures, confront each individual with their own distinct set of options and limits.

We invite all interested parties to visit the exhibition Blueprint of our existence - Painting Calligraphy, by Somayeh Gholami, at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 13 and 14 January 2023.