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Yasmeen Abdal
Typography & Publications → Um Kulthum
Pratt Institute
Branding
This project is centered around typography, exploring expressive, experimental, and structured type treatments that capture the essence of a selected album’s sound, mood, and concept. I chose to focus on the Egyptian artist Um Kulthum, considering her influential role in both music and politics, particularly her connection to President Gamal Abdel Nasser and the promotion of Pan-Arabism.
The design of the LP and accompanying publication prioritizes Arabic typography over English, reinforcing a cultural and linguistic hierarchy. By experimenting with scale and layout, I emphasized Arabic type significantly, while minimizing the presence of English text. The LP cover features manipulated calligraphic Arabic lettering that folds across the front and back, obscuring Um Kulthum’s full name until the album is opened. This approach transforms the bold, black Arabic letter forms into abstract symbols rather than immediately legible words, creating a layered reading experience that echoes the depth and significance of her legacy.
Personal Responsibilities