NEW YORK, NY.- Shin Gallery is currently holding "The Verbal Visual," an exceptional exhibition that delves into the intricate applications and captivating abstractions of language through the rich heritage of alphabets and numeral systems. This thought-provoking showcase unveils the genealogy of the English alphabet, tracing its origins back to the ancient Egyptian writing systems of Hieroglyphics and Hieratics. These remarkable systems comprised approximately 1000 characters, meticulously carved, inscribed, or written across Egyptian artifacts, serving as radiant beacons illuminating our understanding of the past. As time progressed, a Semitic ethnic group simplified this elaborate system during the transition from the Copper to Bronze Age. The Hyksos reduced the Egyptian writing system from around 1000 characters to roughly 22 during the transition from the Copper to Bronze Age. The simplification of the writing system allowed the common laborer to read or write Canaanite words phonetically. The 22 characters established the first alphabet and laid the foundation for subsequent alphabets, including the Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and ultimately, the English alphabet that we employ today.
Within the exhibition, visitors encounter a captivating juxtaposition between Egyptian and European artifacts adorned with preliminary writing systems and the visionary works of contemporary artists who not only explore the intricate interplay between verbal and visual elements of language but also forge their own unique systems. In the late 1950s and 1960s, word-based art emerged as a groundbreaking and controversial movement, with pioneering artists like Chryssa achieving recognition for her masterful typographic abstractions and Robert Indiana’s revolutionary use of numbers and hard-edge color. They paved the way for notable figures such as Shusaku Arakawa, Sophie Calle, Joseph Kosuth, Duke Riley, Ed Ruscha, Edwin Schlossberg, and Lawrence Weiner, who pushed the boundaries of this exploration even further. These remarkable artists, whose works are prominently featured in our exhibition, contributed to the evolution of this art form.
"The Verbal Visual" meticulously traces the genealogical history of ancient writing and numerical systems while drawing attention to their transformation and contemporary usage. The exhibition unfolds across several rooms, each with its own distinct focus and narrative. In the first room, visitors are treated to a compelling contrast between the works of Chryssa, Joseph Kosuth, and Ed Ruscha alongside Egyptian and European artifacts. This juxtaposition vividly highlights the typographic lineage that underpins their creative endeavors. Moving to Room A, the spotlight falls on Egyptian Hieroglyphics and Hieratic, positioned at the forefront, while the Greek alphabet stands proudly in the background. Meanwhile, Room B showcases Robert Indiana's mesmerizing number paintings, Shusaku Arakawa's captivating numerical grid painting, and Duke Riley's evocative artwork titled "Army of the Night," where tracking numbers for homing pigeons are intertwined with their corresponding phonetic names. Finally, the exhibition culminates in the last room, where letters and numbers converge, presenting an awe-inspiring fusion of artists such as Shusaku Arakawa, Sophie Calle, Edwin Schlossberg, and Lawrence Weiner, alongside magnificent European manuscripts from the 15th to 17th century.
"The Verbal Visual" is an unmissable exploration of language's rich tapestry, seamlessly weaving ancient and contemporary expressions together. By immersing ourselves in the profound legacy of alphabets and numerals, we gain invaluable insights into our shared human history and the boundless potential of artistic creation.
Max Lust (Co-Curator) The Verbal Visual exhibition co-curator, Max Lust, has dedicated his inspired curation of the first room to his lifetime mentor and grandfather, Herbert Lust, in honor of his contributions to the show.
Shin Gallery
'The Verbal Visual'
June 30th, 2023 - August 26th, 2023
