Selected Works
The Collection
A continuing body of work in classical Arabic calligraphy — ink, paper, and the long disciplines of the reed pen.
Commissions
Work made for one place, one reader.
I accept a small number of commissioned works each year for private collectors, institutions and auction houses. Each commission begins with a conversation about the verse, the script, the materials, and the space the work will live in.
Timelines typically range from three to six months. Works are delivered unframed or fully framed, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist.
Workshops & Teaching
A classical art, taught with patience.
I lead workshops, masterclasses and residency programmes for museums, universities, cultural institutions and private foundations. Five programmes are offered, from a single-day introduction to multi-week intensives:
- Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy — beginner-friendly, tools, basic strokes & letterforms
- Thuluth & Naskh Masterclass — intermediate to advanced classical scripts
- Geometric Kufic Design — hands-on workshop combining geometry and calligraphy
- Calligraphy as Meditation — mindfulness-based sessions for general audiences
Each programme is shaped in dialogue with the host institution; all materials and curricula are provided. Sessions are delivered both in person and online. To date, over two hundred participants have completed workshops with me, and a continuing studio of around thirty long-term students works under my direct mentorship.
Curriculum
Exhibitions, Awards & Press
Awards & Recognition
- 2025
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3rd Place — Islamic Art Society Competition, USAInternational calligraphy competition
- 2023
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Featured Artist — Tulip Festival, SingaporeSelected by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture & Tourism · youngest artist chosen for the event
- 2022
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Bearer of Intangible Cultural HeritageAwarded by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture
Galleries & Representation
- 2022–
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Traditional Turkish Arts — London, UKListed artist · gallery dedicated to traditional Turkish & Ottoman arts
Selected Exhibitions
- 2025
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World Art Dubai (WAD25) — Dubai, UAESOCO booth
- 2025
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Expansion SOCO — Fujairah, UAEGroup
- 2023
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Tulip Festival — SingaporeSolo · Featured Artist · selected by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture & Tourism
- 2023
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Joint Exhibition with Firdevs ÇalkanoğluCollaborative show of 100+ works · 23 calligraphic compositions by the artist · poster & catalogue cover work also by the artist
Teaching & Residencies
- 2025–
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School of Calligraphy & Ornamentation (SOCO) — Fujairah, UAEResident Calligraphy Artist & Tutor
- 2022–
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sincereGallery — sincereartgallery.comFounder · architectural commissions and educational content
About the Artist
Elif Hale Gokcen is a calligraphy artist who is dedicated to the classical style of Arabic calligraphy. She received her traditional training from Ahmed Fares Rezq. Her work ranges from original commissions for private collectors and institutional patrons to large-scale exhibition compositions. Her training also includes three years of formal study in tezhip under Muzehher Bice and a year of oil painting. She studied Computer Engineering and continues her studies in Arabic literature at Ankara University.
In 2022 the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture named her a bearer of intangible cultural heritage. Her works have been exhibited and taught across Türkiye, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, and she is the resident Calligraphy Artist and Tutor at the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation (SOCO), Fujairah.
Elif Hale Gokcen
Get in Touch
For collectors, institutions & kind enquiries.
For available works, commissions, workshops, residencies or studio visits, please send a note — I reply personally within a few working days.
studio@elifhale.comFull CV, press kit and high-resolution images for editorial, curatorial or auction-house use are available on request. The complete catalogue may also be browsed online or requested as PDF.