“Letterforming,” the newest exhibition at Wake Forest University’s Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery, presents a historical overview of the complex development of letters and words. Starting from pictorial beginnings, “Letterforming” traces the evolution of text, typefaces and print and notes the current shift back towards picture-based communications. It highlights historical moments that resulted in a radically diverse approach to the problem of conveying ideas and information, through writing, across the world’s cultures. The exhibition runs through Dec. 8.
Exhibition Programs:
- Lynn Book, associate teaching professor for the department of theatre and dance and the associate director of the program for Innovation, Creative and Entrepreneurship (ICE), will perform “Ursonate” by Kurt Schwitters. Schwitters’ sound poem will take approximately 45 minutes to perform, and although nonsensical, the poem provides historical reaction to World War I. Book, one of few women to have performed “Ursonate,” will perform on Tues. Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery. A public reception will immediately follow the performance.
- Robert Bringhurst, poet, linguist, typographer, and author of one of the most popular books on typography, “The Elements of Typographic Style,” will present an illustrated lecture addressing the development of letters, words and writing, and their relationship to language on Thurs., Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Porter Byrum Welcome Center. A reception and book signing will immediately follow the lecture at 7:30 p.m.
- John Stevens, a Winston-Salem based calligrapher with an international reputation, will hold a book signing on Tues., Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. in the Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery. Stevens recently released “Artist of the Written Word,” his newest book on calligraphy and lettering design. His calligraphic work, Viel zu Kurt, is also featured in the “Letterforming” exhibition. Watch a video of the installation here.
Cost: “Letterforming” and exhibition programs are free and open to the public.
About Wake Forest University:
Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.
About the Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery
Wake Forest University’s fine arts gallery is focused on presenting challenging and engaging artwork; mostly contemporary, but sometimes focused on historical works or selections from the breadth of Wake Forest University’s collections. Through 6-8 exhibitions a year, the Hanes Gallery’s goal is to encourage a direct and involving experience with the artwork. Learn more about the Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery hanesgallery.wfu.edu.
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