Creative duo Minahil Bukhari and Mustaali Raj do a special talk on Instagram Live for the global launch of the JAALI project. Tune in to instagram.com/indiansummerfestival to hear them speak of their research into language, typography, Indo-Persian architecture, and how they hope to represent the world’s 7000 or so languages in a never-ending pattern. 

ABOUT THE JAALI PROJECT

“The first thing to consider is that, in fact, thinking can be independent of language. When bilinguals are riding a bus, walking down the street, or exercising, their thoughts may not be in a particular language.” — François Grosjean

JAALI – Patterns of Speech is a digital, interactive public art project created by Mustaali Raj and Minahil Bukhari in a special commission for Indian Summer Festival’s 10th Anniversary Edition.

JAALI (referring to the intricate filigreed screens typical of Indo-Persian architecture) creates a unique geometric pattern that represents each participant, based on their language usage. The project’s website invites participants to share what language they speak, think and dream in, and where they live. As more and more people interact with the project, it builds a beautiful, intricate map of language around the world. This creative response to the global pandemic brings us together as a tapestry of interwoven patterns and acts as a window to our linguistic hearts.