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The concept of text-based artwork being intentionally difficult to interpret has been inspired by Christopher Wool whose practice reinvigorates the pictorial composition by creating a ‘dichotomy between what is “readable” while still remaining somewhat abstract’ (Dias, 2018) via the conceptual formation of the words (Figure 1 and 2). This acts to change its linguistics thus making it more difficult for the audience to read and comprehend. However, Mark Prince claims that Wool’s artworks are ‘more about language as a pretext for abstract painting than a conveyor of meaning’ (2017) but I disagree because I would argue that the words used are not solely semiotic, I believe it is the elliptical manner of Wools practice that has significant meaning. This makes me speculate if there any other ways to text-based art and how this would function. Could Wool use text-based art to create story or a narrative? Could it be divulging or revelational? Are there any other ways to make it even more difficult to read? Is there a limit as to what is too confusing or difficult to read?

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A second conceptual artist of influence to my practice has been Sean Landers who utilises text-based art with a different outcome compared to Wool via techniques of autobiography and personal experience as the subject matter (Figure 3 and 4). The significance of this is that Landers has an ‘uncanny knack for portraying himself so well that one inevitably sees oneself’ (2004) thus suggesting how the artist can compellingly translate and reflect the audiences’ own lives as they are experiencing the artwork. An alternative perspective on Landers’s practice is that the artist ‘infiltrate(s)’ the ‘consciousness’ of the audience (Andrea Rosen Gallery, 2007). This make me wonder if the artists artworks are too provocative or too intrusive of the viewers relationship to society and to themselves. What if the audience does not wish the face the raw truths presented in the artworks? Is there such a thing as too intrusive or confrontational or triggering? Does that matter if the artist is drawing on personal experiences?

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References

1. Andrea Rosen Gallery. 2007. Sean Landers. [Press release]. April 27- June 09 2007. Available from: https://archive.is/20120721015158/http://www.andrearosengallery.com/exhibitions/2007_4_sean-landers/ [Accessed 27 January 2021].

2. Blacksell, R. 2013. From Looking to Reading: Text-Based Conceptual Art and Typographic Discourse. Design Issues. 29(2) pp 60-81.

3. Dias, S. F. 2018. Christopher Wool Artist Overview and Analysis. [Online]. Available from: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/wool-christopher/ [Accessed 27 January 2021].

4. Landers, S. 2004. Sean Landers. Frieze. [Online]. 05 May, 83. Available from: https://www.frieze.com/article/sean-landers [Accessed 27 January 2021].

5. Landers, S. 2005. This Is Never Just This [Oil on linin, 101.6 x 121.9cm]. At New York: Andrea Rosen Gallery.

6. Landers, S. 2006. Trope or Schema. [Oil on linin, 101.6 x 121.9cm]. At New York: Andrea Rosen Gallery.

7. Prince, M. 2017. Christopher Wool. Art Review. [Online]. 20 October. Available from: https://artreview.com/ar-october-2017-review-christopher-wool/ [Accessed 27 January 2021].

8. Wool, C, 2000. Untitled. [Enamel on aluminum, 274 × 183 cm]. At: New York: Luhring Augustine Gallery.

9. Wool, C. 1993. Untitled/ The show is over [Enamel on aluminum, 141 x 94cm]. At: Berlin: Bakerhouse Gallery.

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