Ruben Malayan

Calligrapher

A duty to restore human handwriting

Ruben makes calligraphy inspired by Armenian epigraphy
He helped develop the World Encyclopedia of Calligraphy
His goal is to bring calligraphy back into school curricula

In his works, Ruben Malayan revives Armenian calligraphy, both as a craft and as a sacred expression. This form of art has been at the heart of Armenia's culture since the creation of its alphabet in 405 AD. Ruben grew up inspired by his father Petros Malayan, a recognised painter who passed on his passion for art to his son. Ruben earned a degree in painting from Terlemezian State Art College in 1990 and continued his studies in graphics at the Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts. Since 2010, he has devoted himself to studying ancient Armenian manuscripts and the art of calligraphy. He shares his knowledge as a lecturer at the American University of Armenia, where he teaches visual communication.

Interview

How did you decide to become a calligrapher?: I was working as an art director and designer in Israel. When I returned to Armenia in 2010, I received a letter from New York. They were working on The World Encyclopaedia of Calligraphy and asked me to create the Armenian section. I spent a year developing it, and fell in love with Armenian letters. Since 2010, it has been both my passion and my path.
How is calligraphy linked to your country?: I always draw inspiration from Armenian epigraphy. Every Armenian church or architectural monument has hand-carved inscriptions. There is a special harmony in the letters of these inscriptions. The letters were designed to be thin and tall so they could fit into limited spaces, and that has influenced my calligraphy.
Do you consider your craft rare?: Fine calligraphy is becoming rare today, as it is a craft that requires time, effort and dedication – like a performance art. I often compare calligraphers to piano players who must ensure a successful performance and maintain a distinctive style. Once you make a mistake, you cannot take it back, the note has already been played.
What is your vision for the future of calligraphy?: In our digital age, calligraphy is a powerful counterbalance. While everything online can be copied, calligraphy has no analogue: it is always original and unique. There is no tactile connection in the digital world. Calligraphy restores that lost sensation and brings the human touch back into focus.

Ruben Malayan is a master artisan: he began his career in 2010 and he started teaching in 2018