Crime of Being Born

This poster is a personal lettering project inspired by the words of Abu al-’Ala’ al-Ma’arri: (هذا جناه أبي عليّ وما جنيت على أحد) “This crime was by my father done – to me, but never by me to one”.

The design showcases dripping Arabic lettering against a dark, moody background, surrounded by twisting branches, a tombstone silhouette, and scattered leaves. The oozing letterforms evoke decay and inevitability, echoing the somber tone of the quote. This blend of hand lettering and spooky illustration creates a haunting yet thoughtful visual representation of al-Ma’arri’s timeless reflection on existence.