About

Born in Najaf, Iraq in 1944, Massoudy was surrounded by Arabic calligraphy, which adorned the walls of libraries, mosques and religious schools, throughout his childhood. Since an early age, he observed his uncle who was an amateur calligrapher. At 17, Massoudy decided to move to Baghdad to study calligraphy. Living in the capital was an eye-opening experience for the young apprentice as he was exposed to contemporary art exhibitions for the first time.

In 1969, Massoudy moved to France to escape political turmoil and continue his education. He studied figurative painting at the …