More Than Just Words: Language as Poetic Function in Art
The exhibition titled 'More Than Just Words [On the Poetic]' takes place at an undisclosed location, examining the poetic role of language based on Roman Jakobson's idea that poetic expression alters formal presentation into unique meaning. Rather than adhering to a rigid poetry theme, curators chose around twenty artists whose works—whether abstract or otherwise—restore language's poetic essence. The diverse media include photography, film, video, drawing, painting, and performance, collectively forming a visual poem. Highlights consist of John Baldessari's 'Teaching a Plant the Alphabet,' Elisabetta Benassi's Morse code piece, Bruno Murani's exploration of gestures, and more. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on perception, showcasing how artistic poetic language allows for varied interpretations.
Key facts
- Exhibition titled 'More Than Just Words [On the Poetic]'
- Inspired by linguist Roman Jakobson's concept of poetic function
- Features works by about twenty artists
- Includes John Baldessari's 'Teaching a Plant the Alphabet'
- Elisabetta Benassi's work uses Morse code lamps transmitting Mario Merz's text
- Bruno Murani's piece explores hands as communication
- Erica Scourti creates a digital diary using a webcam
- Natalie Czech's 'Avatar/Me' isolates computer icons in photography
- Michael Snow's video installation projects words in three languages
- Arthur Żmijewski's film shows blind participants in a painting workshop
- Jason Dodge performs by replacing lighting with pink lights
- Fernando Ortega transcribes a mosquito's buzz into violin music
- Exhibition includes photography, film, video, drawing, painting, and performance
- Curators avoided a strict poetry theme
Entities
Artists
- Roman Jakobson
- John Baldessari
- Elisabetta Benassi
- Mario Merz
- Bruno Murani
- Erica Scourti
- Natalie Czech
- Michael Snow
- Arthur Żmijewski
- Jason Dodge
- Fernando Ortega
Sources
- artpress —