Ebru Art Revival

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Ebru is a traditional Turkish art whose colorful patterns, created through a transfer of pigments from pans of oily water to paper, are experiencing a revival today. Also called paper marbling, this technique may be seen in the inside covers of many rare books, but also increasingly in the work of contemporary artists in the Middle East and beyond. 

AUC’s Rare Books and Special Collections Library (RBSCL) is hosting a one-day workshop on the technique of Ebru art, in collaboration with Al Qalam School of Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation, and the Anna Lindh Foundation for cultural exchange. The workshop will be presented by artists Özden Aydın from Turkey, Antonella Leoni from Italy and Rasha Morgan from Egypt. 

The event will cover the artistic and historical roots of Ebru art, and the experiences of the presenting artists in applying Ebru to paper, fabric, papyrus, and more. Participants in the workshop segment (limited to ten participants) will have a hands-on opportunity, to use specialized tools and materials to create their own Ebru artwork.

The event (particularly the workshop) is appropriate for scholars and designers interested in the art of the book, calligraphers, manuscript restorers and decorators, fashion and product and interior designers, or others who wish to expand their artistic skills.

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Program

• 10:00 am - 11:30 am: Discussion session and presentations on the art of Ebru with contributions from Turkish artist Özden Aydın, Italian artist Antonella Leoni, and Egyptian artist Rasha Morgan. moderated by RBSCL curator Eman Morgan
• 11:30 am - 2:00 pm: Practical workshop on Ebru art led by Turkish artist Özden Aydın, limited to ten participants
• 2:00 pm - 2:20 pm: Free tour of the AUC Rare Books and Special Collections Library

About the Presenting Artists

Özden Aydın, an independent artist and schoolteacher from Turkey, is known for her creativity in merging Ebru art with Arabic calligraphy. She has showcased her artworks in multiple exhibitions around the world, drawing inspiration from Islamic influences and diverse cultures, adding a unique depth to each piece she creates.

Antonella Leoni is an Italian artist residing in Cairo, who holds a postgraduate diploma in Asian art and Islamic world arts from Royal Holloway, University of London, and the British Museum, a Master's degree in fine arts of Chinese painting from Milan, and a diploma in Arabic calligraphy and ornamentation from Khalil Agha Academy in Cairo. She has participated in numerous exhibitions and projects in Jordan, Egypt, Paris, Belgium, Italy, Kuwait, the UAE, South Korea, Morocco, and Oman.

Rasha Morgan is an Egyptian artist who earned a Ph.D. (with a specialty in textile printing) from Helwan University’s Faculty of Art Education. Her interest in  Ebru art began in 2012 when she discovered many books at RBSCL featuring paper marbling, which inspired her to apply Ebru's techniques to textiles. She has conducted workshops teaching Ebru art at various venues in Egypt (such as the Cairo Opera House in 2018) and has showcased her works at exhibitions internationally, including a prominent show in Milan, Italy. She has been recognized by the Guinness Book of  World Records for creating the largest Ebru artwork on fabric.
 

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