SourceType's Dictionary of the Illegible Maps Typography That Refuses to Be Read
*Dictionary of the Illegible*, authored by Laurenz Brunner, the creative director of SourceType and founder of Studio Laurenz Brunner, examines typography that obscures meaning. This research originated from an exhibition at ArtCenter in Los Angeles back in 2016 and has evolved over a decade, culminating in its publication under copyright © SourceType, 2026. Operating from a repurposed auto garage in Zurich, Brunner investigates themes of illegibility in various forms, including metal band logos, comic-book grawlixes, and a 16th-century engraving by Albrecht Dürer. He arranges the material alphabetically, leading to surprising contrasts. Brunner posits that modern illegibility can challenge censorship and elicit emotional reactions, viewing it as a form of protection that cultivates closeness among those who comprehend it.
Key facts
- Dictionary of the Illegible is published by SourceType with copyright dated 2026
- Laurenz Brunner is SourceType's creative director and founder of Studio Laurenz Brunner
- Early research was exhibited at ArtCenter in Los Angeles in 2016
- The book took roughly 10 further years of research, editing and design after that exhibition
- Brunner works from a converted auto garage in Zurich
- The book is organized alphabetically rather than chronologically or thematically
- Examples range from Albrecht Dürer's 16th-century engraving to a Family Guy screen capture and Miffy
- Brunner cites David Carson's statement 'Don't mistake legibility for communication'
- The watermelon emoji and masked terms like g*nocide are cited as tactics against censorship and shadow banning
Entities
Artists
- Laurenz Brunner
- Albrecht Dürer
- David Carson
- Paul M
Institutions
- SourceType
- Studio Laurenz Brunner
- ArtCenter
- It's Nice That
- Family Guy
Locations
- Zurich
- Switzerland
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Palestine