Literature has always been a source of fascination for the lovers of art. There is a long list of poets, writers, and artists who have appreciated and contributed to it. Recently, one specific artist has taken it upon herself to contribute to it in her own unique, unprecedented way.
Photographer and designer, Senna Ahmad, has been using vintage Urdu book covers to recreate her favorite English music albums.
I’ve been taking my favorite English albums and recreating their art inspired by mid century urdu book covers pic.twitter.com/lTSfJ69NAI
— shahi killa (@sennahmad) December 30, 2018
Senna has been trying to recreate different pop music album covers in her own unique way. She’s taken inspiration from different Urdu book covers published in the 50’s and the 60’s. Her art provides a vivid insight into the themes that the albums revolve around.
Let’s compare Senna’s artwork with the original album art to see the changes she’s made. Here’s the original cover for St. Vincent’s “Strange Mercy”
The original cover of the album “Strange Mercy” had a depiction of St. Vincent’s lips on the verge of wrapping around a musical instrument.
Now here’s Senna’s recreation of the cover.
In Senna’s recreation of the cover, she has used conflicting color overtones to depict “ajeeb rehmat” in a South Asian fashion. Her art also has an Urdu translation of the text at the bottom.
Now let’s look at the album cover of “The Bends” by Radiohead
The cover of “The Bends” by Radiohead featured a mannequin that can be seen in videos of different tracks in the album. To be frank – and this solely my opinion – the cover is as random as it gets and a bit creepy to look at. But I’m sure there’s great meaning behind it.
Here is Senna’s take on the cover
Senna’s art cover of the album seems to be based on a single track that is widely regarded as the best track in the album, “Fake Plastic Trees.” The soft outlines on the trees and the gentle curves contribute to creating a design that has an exquisite South Asian heritage.
Next up, we have the cover of the album “Kaputt” by Destroyer
The photo shows the band’s frontman, Dan Bejar, sitting on a railing, alone, away from the rest of them. According to an interview, this was supposed to show his detachment from the world.
Here is Senna’s version of the album cover
Instead of focusing on Dan Bejar’s detachment from the world, Senna seems to have focused on the top track of the album, “Blue Eyes.” She has quite literally drawn a blue eye on the cover and the alphabets are blue as well.
It’s a beautiful South Asian interpretation of these international album covers, thereby proving that art really has no boundaries or borders. And truly, her work has spoken to people, who are taking to Twitter to appreciate Senna’s talent.
Some people absolutely love it (as do their moms)
100% love this. (As does my mum)
— Talat Yaqoob (@talatyaqoob) December 30, 2018
Others find it “refreshingly beautiful”
Oh my GOD this is so cool and refreshingly beautiful.
Shine on Girl 💖✌👑— Imad Ali Shah (@imadali15) December 31, 2018
Some of them have already chosen their favorite artwork from all the pieces Senna uploaded.
Truly amazing @sennahmad. The depiction of Radiohead’s the Bends is the best. It has a sad calm effect to it. Well Done!
— Rocky Ahmad (@RockyAhmad12) December 30, 2018
Some asked for a transliteration of the text
Senna’s art has been gaining traction all over Twitter and has attracted a whole lot of art and music lovers. Not all of these people can understand the Urdu alphabet, of course, and people reached out for the transliteration of the Urdu text.
Amazing art. Also transliteration for us who can't read Urdu please.
— Numbyaar (@NumbYaar) December 30, 2018
Senna took these requests seriously and soon tweeted the transliterations of the covers.
Transliteration for those asking: “Radiohead, The Bends” / “Destroyer, Kaputt” / “St. Vincent, Ajeeb Rehmat (Strange Mercy)”
— shahi killa (@sennahmad) December 30, 2018
Soon enough, personalized requests followed
buhat aala. pink floyd please.
— Dil-e-Wehshi (@Dil_e_Wehshi) December 30, 2018
Senna even had a reply for those asking for her work in print and from the looks of it, we could expect it in the near future
Not yet, I didn’t think anyone would be interested but will keep you updated if that changes!
— shahi killa (@sennahmad) December 30, 2018
Oof! I, for one, cannot wait for the merch.
The Twitterati has showered Senna with love and support, making it abundantly clear that talent is always appreciated. At this rate, it’s just a matter of time before we see her become an international phenomenon with her merchandise available all over the internet!
We at MangoBaaz wish Senna all the best for her future endeavors. You go, girl!
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Cover image via @sennaahmed/Twitter