Abstract:

Vitruvian Man, arguably the most famous diagram in the world, interfaces geometry and anatomy, humanity and nature, architecture and cosmos, microcosm and macrocosm. The diagram, transcending the ancient architect Vitruvius’ text, intersects with ideas prevalent among Leonardo’s contemporaries, at the threshold of modernity. Interweaving many strands of history and encapsulating the many diverse interests of Leonardo, his Vitruvian Man was Renaissance’s archetypal selfie.

Bio:

H Masud Taj, award winning Adjunct Professor at Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, lectures on Muslim Civilization at the Centre of Initiatives in Education, Carleton University. He

previously taught Art History for two years at IADT working with the Renaissance collection of the National Gallery of Canada leading to his nomination as TV Ontario’s Best Lecturer. He delivered the FPA Research Series talk Leonardo Da Vinci: From Baghdad to Bayezid (Oct 1st). His book Embassy of Liminal Spaces interfacing architecture, poetry and calligraphy, was permanently installed in Canadian Chancery, Bangalore, India and inducted into the Library of Parliament, Canada. Last year he went on a two month round-the-world lecture tour, leaving via Atlantic and returning via Pacific, visiting sixteen cities and holding thirteen events pertaining to architecture and poetry, including an exhibition of his calligraphy in Sydney.