Developed in conjunction with the exhibition currently on display at the Perlman Teaching Museum, Learning from the Past, Illuminating the Future features the work of artist Behnaz Karjoo alongside her tools and materials and related items from Gould Library’s Special Collections. The Perlman exhibition, The Manifest the Hidden: Islam and Geometry in Contemporary Art, explores the entanglement of Geometry and Islam in the practices of eleven contemporary artists from around the world, and includes two of Karjoo’s paintings.
Born in Tehran, Iran, Behnaz Karjoo is a widely recognized Iranian-American artist. Under the mentorship of Mujgan Baskoylu, a distinguished master in Turkish illumination, miniature painting, and paper cutting, Karjoo began her practice and earned her ijazah, a certificate of mastery in illumination. In addition to tazhib [(also Tezhip) the traditional Persian and Islamic art of illumination], she practices miniature art and square Kufic calligraphy. She is a member of the New York Islamic Arts collective and collaborates regularly with Reed Society for the Sacred Arts.
An internationally exhibited artist, Karjoo also leads workshops and lectures that draw audiences from around the world. In these, she introduces students to the techniques of illumination at all levels in both academic and community-based spaces. Karjoo believes that while classical arts such as illumination have their foundations in the past, their continued evolution and potential for innovation and growth is boundless as we move into the future.
Related events:
Gilding with Abby! Join us in the lobby of the library on February 9, 2026 between 2-3pm for a hands-on opportunity to learn about the process of gilding (transferring a thin layer of gold to paper) with the guidance of library conservator Abigail Merritt. All are welcome at this free drop-in event.
Illumination Workshop with artist Behnaz Karjoo: 1-4pm on Saturday, April 4, 2026 (free and open to all, but registration is required. Visit the Perlman online or in person to learn more.)