CD design for Baraka | Gole Sangam | Persian Women's Songs
Role: Art director / Graphic designer in collaboration with illustrator Marina Suris
Client: Sketis music label
Client: Sketis music label
The CD cover project for the ethno-jazz album "Gole Sangam" by **Baraka** is a captivating visual representation of the band's exploration into the rich world of oriental art. Illustrated by Marina Suris in 2016, the cover art mirrors the album's deep-rooted inspiration from a millennium-old tradition of lyrical poetry from Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
The album's concept is built around the Tajik song tradition, led by Zarina Tadjibaeva, a talented singer who brings authenticity to the project. She is joined by the band’s permanent soloist, Devika Evsikova, and special guest performer Iran Raihi, who recites verses from contemporary Iranian poets accompanied by the band's ethno-jazz music.
The design for "Gole Sangam" embraces the intricate beauty of a Persian carpet, reflecting the album’s fusion of ancient Persian ghazals with modern Central Asian pop music, layered with intricate jazz improvisations and lounge music elements. This rich blend of artistic and cultural elements is vividly portrayed in the cover, creating an inviting visual that promises a bridging of cultural gaps between the East and the West.
Marina Suris’ illustrations for the album provide a deep, vibrant visual experience that resonates with the ethno-jazz themes, helping to transport the listener into a mesmerizing world where music and visual art converge. The CD cover for "Gole Sangam" is not just an aesthetic choice but an essential part of the album’s storytelling and atmosphere.
The creation of the "Gole Sangam" album cover involved a unique approach using a hand-crafted mixed technique of illustration and appliqué, executed by the talented illustrator Marina Suris. This method was chosen to convey the complexity and layered nature of the album's musical content, creating a visual representation that resonates with themes of oriental art and ancient poetry.
The mixed technique combines elements of illustration and appliqué, resulting in a rich texture and depth within the artwork. Hand-cut and layered details evoke the traditional art of Persian carpet-making, which inspired the musicians of **Baraka** in crafting this album. Suris' illustrations skillfully capture the harmony and diversity of the music, where Eastern motifs intertwine with jazz improvisations and modern lounge music elements.
The hand-crafted approach adds a sense of authenticity and warmth, making the album cover an integral part of the "Gole Sangam" experience and enhancing the connection between music and visual art.
