Navigating the Latent
Exploring the Potentials of Islamic Calligraphy with Generative Adversarial Networks
Arshia sobhan
Project Description
“Navigating the Latent” explores the use of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) as an option that can fill the gap between digital tools and fundamental aspects of Islamic calligraphy, and as a new tool that can expand the creative space of artists and designers who use Islamic calligraphy in their works. This project prospects for future applications of GANs and asks “how utilizing this technology can expand the creative and practical space of Islamic calligraphy.” Through a process of dataset creation and network training, this project introduces calligraphy pieces with a new mode of expression that unleashes the latent space of possibilities between discrete data samples and demonstrates the potentials of the unexplored intersection of GANs and Islamic calligraphy.
BIO
Arshia Sobhan has worked in a range of fields over the past 15 years including digital creative direction, brand identity design, commercial photography, and UI/UX design. He is driven by curiosity and has a love for science that led him to get his BSc in physics. Arsh continued his journey as a Master of Design candidate in Digital Futures at OCAD University to explore the role of modern technology in Islamic calligraphy, where his true passion lies. His research explores the potentials of using machine learning systems in Islamic calligraphy for artistic and practical purposes. Arsh has ambitious dreams for the future of Islamic calligraphy and hopes to play a role in expanding the practical and creative space of this artform with his research.