At the GRANSHAN Conference 2017 – Living Letters, two esteemed calligraphers, Ruben Malayan and Timothy Donaldson, shared the stage for a remarkable improvised calligraphy performance. This unique encounter showcased the expressive potential of letterforms, demonstrating the dynamic interplay between tradition and experimentation in contemporary calligraphy.
Ruben Malayan, an Armenian calligrapher, designer, and visual artist, is renowned for his mastery of Armenian script and his ability to transform letters into powerful visual narratives. His work reflects a deep understanding of historical letterforms while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Timothy Donaldson, a British calligrapher, type designer, and educator, is known for his innovative and gestural approach to lettering. His work explores the fluidity of calligraphy, merging formal structure with expressive movement.
Their collaboration at GRANSHAN 2017 was an exploration of the written form as a living, evolving art. The performance captured the essence of calligraphy as both a disciplined craft and a spontaneous act of creativity.
About the GRANSHAN Conference
Since its inception, GRANSHAN has been dedicated to advancing knowledge about scripts and elevating the quality of type design beyond Latin. Through a diverse program of conferences, workshops, lectures, panel discussions, study trips, and exhibitions, GRANSHAN has established itself as a global platform for the exchange of expertise and ideas in the field of multilingual typography and calligraphy.
As GRANSHAN continues to foster dialogue and innovation in script culture, its past events remain a testament to the richness and diversity of the typographic world.