Despite having studied abroad, like many artists of the Hurufiyya movement, Nja Mahdaoui sought inspiration from his roots. Often described as a ‘choreographer of letters’, Mahdaoui is considered by many as the ‘inventor of abstract calligraphy’. Employing various mediums including canvas, papyrus, aluminum and brass, as well as embroidery, ceramic, wood, jewelry and glass, he creates what he refers to as ‘calligrams’. These ‘signs’, devoid of any literal meaning, allow Mahdaoui to focus on the poetic quality of Arabic text rather than the literal meaning of the word.