The letters and characters of an alphabet began as depictions of daily objects and at first, signified those alone. In time they came to represent syllables or sounds. In the Chinese written language, this is particularly evident, as the original memory of meaning is still visible. A study into the Greek history showed that it also exists in very early manifestations of the western alphabet. Linear B is a form of ancient Greek dating from the Mycenaean civilization. This half pictographic, half syllabic language surprisingly bears much similarity with the ancient Chinese oracle bone script.
Studying the ancient languages and their semiotics, looking at how images transform into symbols that represent words and concepts, this project is to explore this resemblance of linguistic history - how each of them and their meanings evolved through time, and how two very different cultures began their rich literary traditions from a similar elementary starting point. The contrasts and similarities is brought to life with lively neon signs and playful clay figurines depicting and representing those ancient languages. These letters and symbols are something foreign and alien, yet they are the foundation of something very familiar and recognisable.
Exhibition view at Broedplaats Lely, Amsterdam
Installation view at Amsterdam Dance Event
Exhibition view at Helicopterstraat, Amsterdam
The letters and characters of an alphabet began as depictions of daily objects and at first, signified those alone. In time they came to represent syllables or sounds. In the Chinese written language, this is particularly evident, as the original memory of meaning is still visible. A study into the Greek history showed that it also exists in very early manifestations of the western alphabet. Linear B is a form of ancient Greek dating from the Mycenaean civilization. This half pictographic, half syllabic language surprisingly bears much similarity with the ancient Chinese oracle bone script.
Studying the ancient languages and their semiotics, looking at how images transform into symbols that represent words and concepts, this project is to explore this resemblance of linguistic history - how each of them and their meanings evolved through time, and how two very different cultures began their rich literary traditions from a similar elementary starting point. The contrasts and similarities is brought to life with lively neon signs and playful clay figurines depicting and representing those ancient languages. These letters and symbols are something foreign and alien, yet they are the foundation of something very familiar and recognisable.
Exhibition view at Broedplaats Lely, Amsterdam
Installation view at Amsterdam Dance Event
Exhibition view at Helicopterstraat, Amsterdam