Pegah Saebi

Year of birth: 1996.
Where do you live: Philadelphia, PA.
Your education: MFA in Graphic and Interactive Design, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University.
Describe your art in three words: Narrative, Interactive, Experimental.
Your discipline: Graphic Design | Digital Art.
Website | Instagram

Can you describe the inspiration behind your project “Dancing Scripts”? How did it evolve from traditional Persian calligraphy exercises into a multidimensional art form?

The inspiration behind “Dancing Scripts” lies in pushing language beyond its traditional role as a mere vessel for meaning, transforming it into an immersive, tactile experience. Evolving from the traditional Persian calligraphy exercise of Siah Mashq, which focuses on mastering technique through repetition, the project reimagines Persian calligraphy as a tangible, physical presence. It captures the fluidity of Farsi script, where form and meaning coexist in a constant state of transformation and evolution.

Your work bridges storytelling, cultural exploration, and emotional connection. How do these themes shape the way you approach your art?

I Believe our lived experiences inevitably leave their mark on the work we create, often in ways we don’t even realize. The spaces, cultures, and traditions I am most familiar with naturally find their way into my work because they are part of who I am. When an idea begins to take shape, I see it as a living character with its own story, something that has existed before and will continue to evolve. The deeply personal nature of these ideas carries an emotional weight that others can sense. Emotions transcend language, acting as a universal thread that unites us all.

Pegah Saebi | Dancing Scripts No. 3 | 2024

What role do your Iranian roots play in your creative process, and how do you integrate traditional motifs with contemporary design?

Persian calligraphy, architecture, miniature painting, and many other brilliant forms of Iranian art are such powerful and timeless sources of inspiration that I constantly draw from. I often reflect on how these elements can connect with today’s world, merging traditional and contemporary aesthetics while using modern tools like virtual reality. To me, It’s about creating a dialogue between the past and the future.

“Dancing Scripts” emphasizes the physical presence of language. How do you think this transformation of Farsi typography into a tangible form impacts the viewer’s experience?

Language, once fleeting and intangible, is transformed into something more substantial, given form, weight, and texture. It evolves from a series of abstract symbols into a physical presence that can be seen, touched, and felt. Transforming Farsi typography into a tangible form lets viewers experience the script beyond traditional reading. This shift challenges the idea that legibility is the sole purpose of typography, inviting new ways to engage with language as an art form.

Pegah Saebi | Dancing Scripts No. 4 | 2024

Your work explores themes of identity and memory. How do you see these concepts evolving in your future projects?

Immigration has led me to reflect more deeply on my sense of self and my connection to the world around me. Being away from home, I’ve come to realize how deeply our memories and identities are tied to the places we come from. Even from a distance, these landscapes continue to shape us. As I explore these themes, I feel they are evolving in ways I can’t yet fully predict.

What techniques and tools do you use to achieve the intricate textures and forms in your digital compositions?

I enjoy blending hand-drawn and digital techniques, often beginning with sketches or scanned textures before refining them digitally. For “Dancing Scripts,” however, the entire process was digital. The translucent materials and lighting were especially important in bringing texture and depth to the piece.

Pegah Saebi | Dancing Scripts No. 1 | 2024

What advice would you give to emerging artists who wish to explore their cultural heritage through contemporary art?

My advice would be to step outside your comfort zone and embrace experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques, challenge your creative limits, and allow your work to evolve. The more you explore, the more you’ll discover about your own style and connection to your heritage. Stay open to the unexpected, sometimes, those unplanned moments are where the true magic happens.