Becoming Words brings together Japanese calligrapher Hekiun Oda and 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.

This exhibition is made possible through a collaboration between the Seldon Institute and the Heritage Museum of Asian Art, supported by the Research House for Asian Art.

Program Series: Opening Reception and Calligraphy Performance

October 16, 5 - 8 PM | $40

Research House for Asian Art

3217 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608

Artist-led Tour During Open House Chicago

October 17, 1 - 3 PM | free

Research House for Asian Art

3217 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608

Musicalligraphy: Immersive Workshop

October 18, 1 - 4 PM | General Admission $80

Seldon Institute Calligraphic Dialogues

October 18, 11 AM - 1 PM | free

Seldon Institute

Event registration: https://www.heritageasianart.org/2026becomingwords

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