Kashida can be seen in Arabic texts. The written words are intrinsically connected, however kashida is formed through the justification of paragraphs of text, resulting in the irregular extension of horizontal lines within words. 

 

This extension was the focus of this brief, as it was compared to the European expansion of letterforms within written texts (the contraction and separation of letters resulting in negative space).

 

Our challenge was to send a global message that inspires or embodies "connection". The message was to be encapsulated by a set of 3 postcards, but collectively all the postcards should be connected through the type(linework) used in the message. 

My concept involved trascending the language barrier and using symbolism to represent my message. 

 

I used 3 circles within my composition. The circle is a powerful symbol, It is used by many cultures around the world, it embodies, life, eternity, regeneration, the sun and the uniting of polarities, to name just a few. When observing a symbol, even across language barriers, a shared understanding can be achieved. Herein lies the power of the symbol.

 

All 3 circles are connected from postcard to postcard, but even when they are separated, the circle (and thus the message) remains whole.

 

By using letters as forms instead of words (which hold preconceived meaning), I personify them with action, expression and organic shape, rising, falling and breathing with life.

 

The image below illustrates this most clearly.