Exhibition runs from October 15 to November 15, 2026

Bridgeport | Hyde Park

becoming words brings together Japanese calligrapher Hekiun Oda and Franco-Iranian calligrapher and visual artist Bahman Panahi. Their works begin with the calligraphic traditions of East and West Asia and take them somewhere distinctly their own. Both are interested in what happens when a word becomes an experience rather than a symbol, when calligraphy moves beyond representation and begins to embody concepts.

Oda’s practice grows from Shodō, where brush, ink, body, and breath come together in a singular act. His work explores how written language can become a universal architecture of connection, while his engagement with natural phenomena transforms these words into states of movement, atmosphere, and presence.

Panahi draws on the Persian tradition of Nastaliq, opening its forms toward abstraction, sound, and music. His concept of Musicalligraphy brings calligraphy and music into conversation, engaging words and ideas such as mehr—love, longing, and peace—not simply as subjects, but as ways of being.

Though their vocabularies and cultural lineages are distinct, both artists treat the word as a portal into experience. Love, rain, water, and music can all become conditions of experience. The calligraphic act does not simply write the word, but becomes it.

The exhibition is accompanied by live performances by both artists on the reception night, where calligraphy unfolds as a singular act, made in the moment and impossible to repeat. Additional artist talks and workshops will take place on separate dates throughout the exhibition, offering opportunities for deeper engagement with the artists’ practices and processes.

The Artists

Born and raised in Kobe, Japan, master Oda began practicing calligraphy at age five under master Goun Katsura. Rooted in Kobe’s deep lineage of calligraphy masters, his early training in traditional Shodō inspired a lifelong pursuit of artistic and spiritual expression. He moved to Chicago in 1990, where he continued his practice through exhibitions, performances, and workshops.

In 2009, Oda founded the Oda Calligraphy Association to teach and promote calligraphy as both art and meditation. He has exhibited and performed at the Japanese Culture Center of Chicago, McHenry County College, and the Heritage Museum of Asian Art, and has collaborated with Yoshinojyo Fujima, master of Fujima Ryu Japanese Classical Dance.

Master Calligrapher

Hekiun Oda (小田碧雲)

Bahman Panahi (بهمن پناهی)

Born in Iran into a family of artists, master Panahi began studying calligraphy and Persian classical music at an early age. He trained in Nastaliq under masters Gholam Hossein Amirkhani, Yadollah Kaboli, and Abdollah Foradi. He later continued his studies in Tehran and France, earning a doctorate in music and musicology from the Sorbonne in Paris.

Based in Paris, Panahi brings calligraphy and music into dialogue through his concept of Musicalligraphy. His work opens the Persian calligraphic tradition toward abstraction, sound, and performance, exploring rhythm, gesture, and the architecture of the written line. His worldwide practice includes exhibitions, performances, workshops, and teaching internationally.

Master Calligrapher & Visual Artist

Reserve your Seat

Friday, October 16 | 5PM-8PM

Exhibit Reception featuring live performances by Bahman Panahi and Hekiun Oda

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Saturday, October 17 | 1PM-3PM

Exhibit Walkthrough with Bahman Panahi and Hekiun Oda during Open House Chicago

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Sunday, October 18 | 1PM-4PM

Hands-on, immersive workshop with Bahman Panahi on his concept of Musicalligraphy

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Saturday, October 24 | 11AM-1PM

An intimate conversation and demonstration with Bahman Panahi and Hekiun Oda

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