Rumi, A Thirsty Fish
Tamil translation by Sathyamorthy, Last Resort
Book Design
A Thirsty Fish is the first extensive compilation of Rumi poems translated into Tamil by Sathyamorthy, and includes a selection of poems, a glossary and short explanatory texts.
The book intended to both present the translated poems as well as introduce the Persian poet to Tamil speaking readers who may not be familiar with the original texts or context. In keeping with this, the design aimed to strike a balance between reflecting the original text, and its deep history, and sensitively working with the Tamil texts and book form – making it both a new and familiar object.
Two papers were used to differentiate the main poems and supporting content at the back. Within the green ‘notes’ section, Nasq calligraphy was commissioned to sit opposite glossary entries connecting translated, or transliterated Tamil text to their Persian originals.
On the cover ‘Rumi’ is embossed below the same in Tamil: an allusion to the process of translation which has shaped the texts and design.
Inspired by the ephemera that can often be found in second-hand books, six inserts were also included which provide further context on the poems and a visual and tactile feel to the overall publication.