The exhibition “Inner Structures – Outer Rhythms” showcases contemporary Arabic and Persian typographic works by designers from South-West Asia, North Africa, in short SWANA, and their diaspora. The same inspirational set of signs functions as common ground. The 28 Arabic and allied 32 Persian letters form an inner structure across the SWANA region: Despite differences in religion, language, ethnicity, politics and society, the scripts act as a unifying force, aligning with the outer rhythms of cultural life. Four themes characterise the designs: expanding script beyond calligraphy, the rhythm of poetry and music in type, typography’s role in political participation, and design for the cultural and art sector. This insight into the dynamic graphic scene of the SWANA region reveals its significant contribution to the global design discourse and reflects an inclusive approach to design. 

The exhibition is curated by Dr. Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès, a graphic designer, researcher, and founding director of the Khatt Foundation. Founded in Amsterdam in 2004, the Khatt Foundation is a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to promoting contemporary graphic design and serving as a network and platform for designers from North Africa and West Asia. The foundation's additional goals include advancing design research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and establishing a specialized knowledge center for contemporary design.

The exhibition was organised in cooperation with the Khatt Foundation and is kindly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.