For Closer Look: “The Bismillah and the Art of Calligraphy”: How might modern technologies—from type to the Internet—pose a challenge to the calligraphic tradition in Islam?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Again, responses may vary widely, but largely the advent of type and the Internet could have a negative impact on calligraphy as it might lead to fewer people regularly practicing handwriting and reducing one’s connection to the materiality of ink and paper. It should be noted, however, that calligraphy was never a style of writing for everyday use but was an art and a spiritual practice. Therefore, one ought to also consider the potential of new technologies and software for advancing calligraphic practice.