Islamic Illumination, tazhib, is an art practiced in many parts of the Muslim world for over a millennium. Tazhib is derived from zahab, which means gold in Arabic. Tazhib was primarily used to decorate manuscripts, a practice which still continues today in parts of the Islamic world. Illuminators use small brushes to create a wide variety of motifs from crushed gold, gouache, watercolor, and natural pigments. In this workshop, students will be introduced to the material and techniques of this traditional art and create an illumination piece to take home.

About the Artist:

Born in Tehran, Iran, Behnaz Karjoo moved to the United States at a young age where she developed an interest in art. Her creative pursuits took a serious turn later in her life, when she started to study jewelry design and photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Inspired by her early memories of Iranian mosque architecture, illumination, and calligraphy, she soon pursued training in the classical Islamic arts. Under the mentorship of Mujgan Baskoylu, a distinguished master in Turkish illumination, miniature painting, and paper cutting, Behnaz began her study of illumination (tazhib) in 2011. Her dedication led her works to be exhibited worldwide, and in 2016, she earned her ijazet, a certificate of mastery in illumination. Expanding her artistic repertoire, Behnaz pursued the study of miniature painting in 2019, followed by an exploration of square kufic calligraphy in 2021. These continuous pursuits exemplify her commitment to enriching her knowledge and skill set within the realm of Islamic arts. Behnaz is an active participant in the New York Islamic Arts collective, founded by Mrs. Baskoylu, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting classical Islamic arts in the United States. Through the workshops she teaches, Behnaz actively works to educate others and preserve the sacred art of illumination by sharing its classical techniques. In her artistic pursuits, Behnaz holds the belief that while classical arts, including illumination, have a timeless foundation, their potential for evolution and growth is boundless. She continually strives to present these art forms in innovative ways, embracing experimentation with diverse materials, colors, compositions, and designs.