Interculturalism is Dead
Editorial Design
Typography
Print Design
Art Direction
Interculturalism is Dead is a curated publication challenging the state of intercultural dialogue in the UK by spotlighting the Syro-Malabar community of Kerala, India. Rooted in decolonisation and bilingual typography, the archive weaves together immigration stories, creative voices, and cultural intersections — celebrating the communities that quietly hold our interconnected world together.
Part One
Objective
Strategy
To explore the intersection of Indian and Western cultures through design, celebrating and promoting interculturalism. By engaging with local communities and incorporating their stories, the goal is to decolonize graphic design and challenge conventional norms. The project aims to make a bold statement on the current political climate in the UK.
As a new migrant in the UK, I found it essential to reflect on my cultural roots and what it means to be a creative from a different ethnicity in this context. In light of ongoing discussions about multiculturalism, I advocate for the success of interculturalism by highlighting my community, the Syro-Malabar community—an amalgamation of Christianity, Hinduism, and Syriac influences. I present this through a meticulously handcrafted book, exploring my personal experiences and what makes the Syro-Malabar culture unique. The book includes conversations with various individuals connected to the culture and concludes with an examination of the UK's creative industries and their efforts to foster inclusivity. This project embraces maximalism and bilingual typography, design languages prominent in India, alongside tactile paper explorations to amplify South Indian representation.
The Syro Malabar Community
Interculturalism and the UK
Decolonized
Cream Tea
The Syro-Malabar Community belongs to the state of Kerala in India. It’s said that the Apostle St. Thomas arrived in Kerala in AD52 and established seven churches. The Hindu-dominated state accepted the religion and ultimately adapted it to its own through the tweaking and continuation of Hindu customs. The community is now a wonderful amalgam of both Hindu and Christian customs, languages, architecture and traditions.
To address the challenges faced by ethnic minorities in the UK design industry, particularly amidst negative attitudes toward multiculturalism and immigration. With only 7% of the workforce coming from ethnic minorities, I aim to highlight the need for greater representation and inclusion of diverse talent, not merely for tokenism but to leverage the unique insights and skills that creatives from different cultural backgrounds can bring. This objective seeks to advocate for a more equitable design landscape, where ethnic minorities are valued for their contributions and are not forced to work disproportionately harder to prove their worth.
Drawing inspiration from the universal ritual of evening tea and the British cream tea tradition, a decolonized version infused with motifs from the Syro-Malabar community was created. This event is designed to bring together creatives from all backgrounds, offering a space where everyone is welcome to connect and inspire. Kerala snacks will be served alongside a distinct event brand identity. Unique crockery, sourced from charity shops across the city, was transformed with spray-painted patterns on the porcelain, creating a final, eclectic set of ceramics.
Publication
Structure
Main Paper Stocks
1) G.F. Smith Neenah Environment - 118GSM
2) Pastel Yellow - 120GSM
3) Deep Red - 140GSM
4) Tracing Paper - 80GSM
Title Pages
Maximalism and Bilingual Typography
Interviews
1. @MR.CHRISTOPHER._
American Content Creator on the culture of Kerala
We talked about his third perspective on the culture of Kerala as an outsider.
2. WE ARE HERE SCOTLAND
A Community Interest Company with an aim to amplify the voices of BPoC Artists and Creatives who reside in Scotland with opportunities to share their work, connect with each other, and have their voices heard
3. GAB (by JAMHOT)
A regular get-together for Creative folks in Glasgow featuring speakers from Scotland and around the world.
4. Creator Mashup (by MADEBRAVE)
A networking event in Glasgow celebrating content creators with speakers talking about how to grow personal brands.
5. GLASGOW-BASED CREATIVES FROM KERALA
Conversations with Immigrant Creatives (Chinmay Anilkumar, Patrick Panikulam & Justin Stanley) in Glasgow and how they connect to Kerala through food.
