Beyond the Letters explores the hidden dimensions of Arabic and Persian typography. By delving into the historical, geographical, spiritual, mystical, and performative contexts of the script, the project challenges the influence of Western-centric approaches to design discourse and practice. It presents a fresh perspective on contemporary design from the SWANA region that is disentangled from commercial and capitalist systems and honors traditional practices and heritage that are often marginalized or misunderstood. The project emphasizes the interconnectivity and relationality of typography as a symbolic representation of language and its complex and networked attachment to existential and experiential modes of being and knowing.
Through research, experimentation, and collaboration the project's main objective is to produce a curated exhibition that showcases commissioned works by 28-30 designers, from Doha, Cairo, and Tehran who explore the project's various research questions. Additionally, the project aims to produce an experimental annual journal, the first of its kind, dedicated solely to Arabic and Persian type. The journal will feature articles, interviews, and artwork related to the project's themes, exploring the intersection of typography, language, and power through transdisciplinary projects and speculative proposals from invited contributors. This project will lay the groundwork for an additional book proposal to submit to potential publishers; and for external funding to create a symposium centered around the topic.
Curation: Basma Hamdy, Ali Asali & Mohamed Gaber
Particpating Designers: TBA