text, context, semiotext and everyting in between
For designers and advertisers, the practise of using text to convey ideas isn't new. But the way this combination of art and text has evolved, and has been explored and developed and pushed in different directions, and the analysis of that, is. I'm not sure how many books have been published to explore this particular kind of concept when it comes to art, but it seems that this book, Art and Text, is a great introduction to the methods used by artists to convey their ideas over the past few decades.
Art and text covers conceptual art, art from text, text from art, all exploring concepts and art that always skeets between the two. It is about the marriage of language and concept, from Dada to now... and while it appears to be a little high and inaccessible by some accounts, the real grit is in the chapters that follow the hardcore, academic shit at the beginning.
Conceptual art is about the intersection between art, philosophy and linguistics... and it seems that this book explores the way that text is explored throught this kind of art in either a material, social or philosophical sense. And while the movement began around the 1960's, what is interesting is that most attention is paid to the work produced in later decades up till 2008.
It seems inspiring and beautiful, full of interestingness. Considering my preoccupation with the beauty of language and art I think it's safe to say I'd really like to get my hands on a copy.
Read the full review by James Puckett here at ilovetypography.com
