Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi
In Bahrain

When Art and Words Collide

By Zonaira Chaudhary

Share

facebook linkedin telegram whatsapp

Artist Saman Sohail helps us visualize “Visual Words”. The Words Bookstore Café in Bahrain recently launched “Visual Words”, an illustrated dictionary that features poetry by Anushka Gupta paired with artwork by Saman Sohail. In an exclusive interview, Sohail shares her insight on this creative collaboration. What is the inspiration behind “Visual Words”? As designers, travelers […]"

When Art and Words Collide

Artist Saman Sohail helps us visualize “Visual Words”.


The Words Bookstore Café in Bahrain recently launched “Visual Words”, an illustrated dictionary that features poetry by Anushka Gupta paired with artwork by Saman Sohail. In an exclusive interview, Sohail shares her insight on this creative collaboration.

What is the inspiration behind “Visual Words”?

As designers, travelers and observers of the world, telling stories through our work has always been significant. Each word we chose represents an expression of dreams, hopes, loves, heartbreaks, courage and discovery which all of us have experienced at some point in our lives. The alphabet offers endless opportunities to select words that describe those emotions. The book carves a story of its own because each person who explores it becomes a part of its journey.

Tell us about the creative process.

I was sharing a series of abstract watercolor circles “The #PaintedCircleSeries” on Instagram which were inspired by various quotes and poems. Anushka sent me a message of appreciation when I painted a few verses she had written and we ended up talking about a collaborative project.visualwordksbook_source_4

We narrowed down 38 words from the English language that resonated with us and that embraced various emotions within them. Anushka would choose a word, then string more of them together to lend beautiful meaning to them in poetry. I would then take the poetry and paint my abstract interpretation of her words in watercolor. The book took about a year and a half to complete.

What does “Visual Words” mean to you?

“Visual Words” came to us at a challenging time in both of our lives. It helped us to deal with, express and even resolve certain emotions and ideas. We’ve woven pieces of our souls into each letter and every streak of color.

Visual Words is now available at Words Bookstore.

Location: Palm Square, Budaiya Highway, Bahrain


Share

facebook linkedin telegram whatsapp

Keep Exploring

Saudi Arabia Secures Hosting the 2026 FEI World Championships in Al Ula

By Mohammed AlMahdaly

Ring of Fire: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk in a Historic Showdown

By Haneen.Sh

Explore Culture At Al-Suwaidi Park

By Haneen.Sh

Epicon: NEOM Unveils its Luxurious Coastal Destination

By Haneen.Sh

Experience Enchantment at Disney: The Castle, Riyadh Season 2023

By Haneen.Sh

Get Ready: Tickets for Saudi Games 2023 Available Now

By Haneen.Sh

Discover ROKA Riyadh’s New Family-Friendly Brunch Experience

By Haneen.Sh

All You Need To Know About Riyadh Season’s Wonder Garden

By Haneen.Sh

Riyadh Zoo 2023 is Back For its Second Edition

By Haneen.Sh

BLVD Forest: an Interactive Setting to Delve into Natural Wonders and Encounter Rare Wildlife

By Mohammed AlMahdaly

Invisibilia Experience: Contemplative Spaces and Interactive Challenges in Boulevard City

By Mohammed AlMahdaly

Luxury Retreat at Rosewood Jeddah

By Haneen.Sh

Carbone Riyadh: Michelin Star Dining at Mansard Riyadh

By Haneen.Sh

SEF Unveils Riyadh 2023 Global Esports Games With Full Competition Details

By Haneen.Sh

Musafir.com Starts Operations in KSA Addressing Growing Travel Demand

By Haneen.Sh

Jeddah United Secures Gold Again

By Destination KSA Staff