About this Event
The Art of Islamic Illumination is a representation of Divine Light.
Join us for a workshop on the art of Islamic illumination (tahzib), with artist Behnaz Karjoo. Islamic illumination uses gold to adorn sacred texts. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the beauty of tahzib!
No prior experience needed.
About the Artist: Behnaz Karjoo studied jewelry design and photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology before embarking on the classical arts. Under the mentorship of Mujgan Baskoylu, a distinguished master in Turkish illumination, miniature painting, and paper cutting, Behnaz began her practice and earned her ijazet, a certificate of mastery in illumination, in 2016. In addition to tazhib, she practices miniature art and square kufic calligraphy. She is a member of the New York Islamic Arts collective, and she collaborates regularly with Reed Society for the Sacred Arts.
Behnaz has exhibited her works internationally, including San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Istanbul, Kuwait City, Sharjah and other cities. Her workshops and lectures have drawn audiences from around the world, where she introduces students at all levels to techniques of illumination, in both academic and community-driven spaces, including Frist Art Museum and the University of Pennsylvania among others. Behnaz holds the belief that while classical arts, including illumination, have a timeless foundation, their potential for innovation and growth is boundless. Read more here.
About Reed Society for the Sacred Arts (RSSA)
The Reed Society for the Sacred Arts (RSSA) works with a global network of artists and musicians to nurture the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual wisdom woven into sacred art forms. The Reed Society's work serves not only as a platform for cultural preservation but also as a source of healing and reconnection for diverse populations, particularly diaspora communities, immigrants, and refugees seeking to engage with their heritage.
In collaboration with leading artists and institutions, our organization curates a rich array of programs — including hands-on workshops, immersive retreats, musical performances, academic lectures, and exhibitions. The Reed Society’s work spans disciplines such as Arabic and Ottoman calligraphy, Islamic illumination (tazhib/tehzib), sacred geometry, and traditional music forms such as Qawwali and Sufi-inspired vocal traditions.
Keep the connection alive — Join our newsletter for upcoming Reed Society programs and events.
Image by Behnaz Karjoo: Garden of Light (2024) 24kt yellow gold, natural mineral pigments on treated matt paper, Calligraphy by Mohammad Gaber
Translation: Light (Al Nur)
گر زان که نئی طالب جوینده شوی با ما
If you are not a seeker, become one and join us
If you are not a musician, become one and sing with us
گر زان که نهای طالب جوینده شوی با ما
ور زان که نهای مطرب گوینده شوی با ما
If you are not destitute in love, become impoverished
If you are not a lord, become a servant with us
گر زان که تو قارونی در عشق شوی مفلس
ور زان که خداوندی هم بنده شوی با ما
One candle can ignite a hundred candles in this gathering
Whether you are dead or alive, become alive with us
یک شمع از این مجلس صد شمع بگیراند
گر مردهای ور زنده هم زنده شوی با ما
It will open your feet and reveal light to you
So that your entire being, like a flower, may blossom with laughter
پاهای تو بگشاید روشن به تو بنماید
تا تو همه تن چون گل در خنده شوی با ما
Step into the tavern for a moment and behold the living hearts
Throw away the silk, become intoxicated in the tavern with us
در ژنده درآ یک دم تا زنده دلان بینی
اطلس به دراندازی در ژنده شوی با ما
When the seed is scattered, it sprouts and becomes a tree
If you grasp this secret, you will be scattered with us
چون دانه شد افکنده بررست و درختی شد
این رمز چو دریابی افکنده شوی با ما
Shams Tabrizi speaks with the bud of the heart
When your eyes open, you will become the seer with us
شمس الحق تبریزی با غنچه دل گوید چون باز شود چشمت بیننده شوی با ما
Join us for to explore a short poem by Mevlana Rumi at the end of this session.
Please note that this is one event of a seies. Stay tuned for a longer workshop Sunday Feb 8 and a manuscript viewing at the Library of Congress on Monday Feb 9 which will focus on illuminated manuscripts, guided by a conversation with Behnaz Karjoo.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Compass Art Center, 10335 Kensington Parkway, Kensington, United States
USD 108.55
