Few days ago, Laura Bee sent me this photo by a Chinese artist called Xu Bing. Attached photo was taken on one of Xu’s classes titled: Square Calligraphy Classroom. The intention of this installation was to simulate a classroom-like setting, in a gallery or museum space. Desks are arranged with small containers of ink, brushes and a copybook with instructions on the basic principles of New English Calligraphy, a writing system invented and designed by the artist.
As people attempt to recognize and write these words, some of the thinking patterns that have been ingrained in them since they learned to read are challenged. It is the artists’ belief that people must have their routine thinking attacked in this way. While undergoing this process of estrangement and re-familiarization with one’s written language, the audience is reminded that the sensation of distance between other systems of language and one’s own is largely self-induced. That being said, if you look closely you’ll find the below characters not so hard to read…
A video titled ”Elementary Square-Word Calligraphy Instruction,” was played on a monitor during the exhibition, capturing the audience’s attention and inviting them to participate in the class. Once they were seated at the desks, the audience was instructed to take up their brushes and the lesson in New English Calligraphy begins.
(15 votes)
SO DARN EASY
L SIDE
FLY
FIND
FOUR
FALLING
YIELDING
APPLYING
INTRODUCTION
TOGETHER
IMPOSSIBLE
FORGOTTEN
PRACTICE
EXPERIENCE
R SIDE
LITTLE
BO
PEEP
LITTLE
BO
PEEP
HAS
LOST
HER
SHEEP
AND
CAN
oooooooh
Very nice indeed. :) I have a hard time reading some of them though.
this is really cool
It says
left side
FLY
FIND
FOUR
FALLING
YIELDING
APPLYING
INTRODUCTION
TOGETHER
IMPOSSIBLE
FORGOTTEN
PRACTICE
EXPERIENCE
Right Side so easy
LITTLE
BO
PEEP
LITTLE
BO
PEEP
HAS
LOST
HER
SHEEP
AND
CAN
This looks like some penmanship book from asia
I love the art of calligraphy, and it is an art I have tried to do it but like of lost it. I must take it up again, its very relaxing.
an illusion? i hav no idea wot it is!!!