Madrid-based master calligrapher Khalid Casado discusses the online calligraphy exhibition, Beauty in Solitude and the process around his work.
A wonderful introduction to the art of Arabic calligraphy by a classically trained calligrapher (hattat) whose works of art are created through a unique combination of inspiration, meditation, and rigorous discipline.
Pablo Casado, also known as Khalid, was born Madrid, Spain, where he has lived and developed both personally and academically.
Although he always felt a special attraction towards the shapes of Arabic calligraphy, it was not until 2008 when he connected with the reed pen for the first time at a brief introductory course to nesih calligraphy. Only a few days of practicing this art were enough to awaken a deep interest in him, and he soon felt the need to receive further instruction from a real master who could transmit him this ancient knowledge. He then met Nuria García Masip, the renowned calligrapher based in Paris and featured in Beauty in Solitude Part 3. Guided by her, he traveled to Istanbul for the first time in 2009, and became acquainted with her masters. This is how he started writing his first lessons with her help, and with the master calligrapher (hattat) Davut Bektas, and always under the supervision of the master Hassan Çelebi. Two years later, he began lessons with the master hattat Ferhat Kurlu who, together with Nuria García, became one of his strongest influences.
In 2014, and after having devoted himself completely to learning this art, he received his icazet or calligraphy diploma in sülüs and nesih styles in IRCICA (Research Center for Islamic History Art and Culture), signed by the masters Hassan Çelebi, Ferhat Kurlu and Nuria García.
Currently, he continues traveling regularly to Istanbul and spending long periods there in order not to lose contact with his masters and with the purpose of continuing learning and refining his work.