Exhibition shows boxing and calligraphy 'both art'

An exhibition exploring the similarities between boxing and calligraphy will open later as part of Bradford's City of Culture celebrations.

'Fighting to be heard' is on display at the Cartwright Hall gallery in the city from Friday and will feature a number of rare items from the Arabic and Urdu collections at the British Library.

Although seemingly an unlikely pairing of pastimes, the two Bradfordians behind the exhibition said boxing and calligraphy share common themes, such as the discipline and guile required for success in both.

The exhibition will be on display at the museum until 27 April.

Speaking to BBC Look North, Tasif Khan, a former world champion boxer and founder of a boxing academy in the city, said: "Boxing is an art that has to flow and have a rhythm, just like calligraphy.

"If you strip a lot of things back, it's all just about mental strength, discipline and self-control.

"Boxing's just like calligraphy - if it's forced it doesn't come out right."

The exhibition is told through the eyes of Mr Khan and the acclaimed calligrapher Razwan Ul-Haq, who himself was a one-time boxing trainee and lives in Bradford.

The calligraphy they have chosen for the display stretches from ninth-century works through to contemporary pieces.

Mr Ul-Haq said being part of putting the exhibition together was a "privilege".

"I don't think anyone has seen a similarity between boxing and calligraphy before," he said.

"When I'm writing, I have to be absolutely precise.

"If I write a word or a dot out of place then the whole thing will lose its harmony. It's the same with boxing - if you let your guard down you're on the canvas."

Mr Ul-Haq said some of the manuscripts chosen from the British Library carried great meaning to those who follow Islam.

He said some boxers who had seen some of the works had been "in tears" because of their gravitas, beauty and the intersection between the art and their faith.

As part of the event, Mr Ul-Haq will also host a special calligraphy workshop at Cartwright Hall on 8 February, which visitors can book their place for in advance online.

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